By Michael J. Whelan

It’s still two weeks until Thanksgiving Day, but I thought I’d be the first to bring it up.

My regular Forum schedule called for me to have a commentary ready to air on Thanksgiving Day itself, but I decided to spare all of you from listening to me when you’d much rather be enjoying yourself eating turkey.

So, instead, here’s my short version of what I’m thankful for as the big day draws near.

I’m thankful for my beloved wife and our families, and our dear long time close friends, most of whom are living right here. I feel sorry for all the millions of folks who have to travel long distances just to see their families and friends for an all too short time.

I’m thankful for living here, instead of in an area of the country seemingly constantly threatened by hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes, mudslides and drought. Yes, we have to contend with the occasional tornado and sometimes deep snow, but it doesn’t seem to be as frequent as the natural disasters other parts of the country endure.

I’m thankful our version of rush hour can be measured in something much less than actual hours.

I’m thankful for our superb universities, which provide endless sources of entertainment in so many ways.

I’m thankful for Uptown Normal, and will continue to hope that downtown Bloomington someday rivals it.

I’m thankful for our churches, because Lord knows we need all the spiritual help we can get.

So, Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families. Enjoy the day.

Michael J. Whelan has been a licensed practicing attorney for over 33 years. He also serves as an arbitrator in the 11th Judicial Circuit Mandatory Arbitration program. In addition, he is presently the president of the board of directors of his homeowners association, and is also a member of the board of directors of The Old House Society. He and his wife of thirty-one plus years, Cheryl Whelan, live in Bloomington. He and Cheryl enjoy exercising, reading, and being close to family and friends.

The opinions expressed within WJBC’s Forum are solely those of the Forum’s author, and are not necessarily those of WJBC or Cumulus Media, Inc.