Thanksgiving Saving Time

Raoul’s Two Cents: November 28, 2025

Before and After

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

I watched a documentary about South East Asia and the scenery reminded me of what life was like growing up in the streets of Manila, Philippines. I used to ride jeepneys and buses (public transportation) regularly. When the rains flooded the 2 way-streets, notoriously selfish jeepney drivers would drive on the less crowded opposite side of the street and move ahead of everyone else. Seeing how that violation worked, the other jeepney drivers would do the same and soon both lanes would be going one direction. It was a mess. And this happened often.

I distinctly remember riding a huge old six-wheeler company truck on my way home from school because my Dad couldn’t pick me up. The diesel monstrosity, designed for a maximum of three passengers, fit eight of us. I sat beside the driver and he would stick shift the gears between my legs. It was pouring cats and dogs. The smell of motor oil and cigarette smoke permeated the cabin. There was no air-condition so the windows had to be rolled a quarter-way down or we would suffocate. The driver had to constantly wipe the foggy windshield. Of course, raindrops kept falling down my head … but that didn’t mean my eyes were turning red … no … cryin’s not for me … ‘cuz … I knew It’d never stop that rain by cryin’ — I was simply stuck! Frozen, is a more accurate word. There was nowhere to run; nowhere to hide; nowhere to rest my weary head and die. The ordeal lasted five hours. Of course, electricity was shut down when I got home. I was shivering by candlelight and I still had to do my homework for school the following morning. To this day I hate traveling long distances and I trace my phobia for traffic to that soaking evening. My allergy for traffic is real.

There are many reasons to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for? What are the two Before and After pictures in your head that remind you of God’s goodness and mercy? For me, it’s a snapshot of that young boy sandwiched between strangers in the pouring rain; and a snapshot of an aging husband, surrounded by family pictures on the wall and grown-up toys and typing this TGIF article for special friends and strangers.

TGIF people! I trust you had a good Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Quotes of the Week

“I can’t cook a Thanksgiving dinner. All I can make is cold cereal and maybe toast.” — Charlie Brown

“Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings, one by one, as each relative goes home.” — Melanie White

“We may not have it all together, but together, we have it all.” — Anonymous

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.” — Psalm 136:1

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” — Matthew 6:3-5