Today I am Giving Thanks for: Warmth. Socks. My home.

I am once again reminded how thankful I am for heat, blankets, warm clothes, my socks. My home. I believe this is self-explanatory, I don’t need to explain what or why.

My home is not big, but it is ‘my space’. A space to call my own. I can’t imagine having it all ripped away with little to no notice. Many on the East Coast have lost their homes. While losing their home and all belongings is huge, overwhelming. So many are barefoot and just wishing they had a pair of socks. I’m in Alaska – nearly the furthest US state you can get away from the East Coast (Hawaii wins by 500 miles) – I feel a bit ‘out of the way’ to be of any help. But, this is a way I can help and I’m excited to have something tangible I can do. Almost like a giving a virtual hug. or a warm cup of tea. with warm feet. I am also giving thanks for this opportunity.

Here is something requiring action, now. and most of us can help. Due to the nature and urgency of this particular need, please mail by Friday, November 9th. Go to Laura’s blog to learn more about the situation, and to get her mailing address. There are also directions for how to donate easily to the Red Cross.

With Laura’s permission from The Shed – I copied the picture and her thoughts directly from her post. This picture is the neighborhood near hers. She is taking gloves and hats too, but other clothing items are in sufficient supply at this time. The shortage is for warmth – socks, gloves, hats.

Imagine it being your child(ren), father, mother, brother, sister, or other extended family member without socks, gloves, or hats, a way to stay warm. Items most of us have lots of and take for granted.

I couldn’t get the socks thing out of my head. People needed socks. People were walking around barefoot. But it was more than that, this sort-of obsession about socks. Putting socks on cold feet signifies warmth and comfort – a small bit of goodness during what will be a long and difficult road. It bothered me all night.

Yes, we live at the shore. Going barefoot goes hand-in-hand with living at the beach. But after this storm? It is much chillier around here. And the forecast is for another possible storm to arrive in about four days. People need socks for warmth. Now.

I am thankful for my warm items of clothing. As an action of my thankfulness, I will be sending a virtual hug to provide warmth. This is how I will be giving thanks this week.