We’ve talked a lot in this space about the torrent of tough, disheartening news that steadily makes its way across our screens and devices. It’s never hard to find a demoralizing story that makes us wonder what’s wrong with the world in which we live.
But if we look a little harder, we’ll run across moments that restore our faith in one another, that inspire us to do better. Because if you’re reading this blog post at some point over the Thanksgiving Weekend, chances are you have it better than most people on this planet today.
We all have problems, challenges, and obstacles, to be sure. But most of us are in a position to overcome them at best, or put them in perspective. Most of our issues are of the first world variety. Chances are, we’re not going hungry this holiday weekend, our thermostats are working to specification, and we have a multitude of ways to occupy our brains and our time.
So, this holiday season, make it about gratitude, being thankful for what we have, and sharing it with others – either with our time, our money, and/or our hearts. If you’re in a position to make someone’s weekend a little more special, do it. Many of you reading this blog have a degree of celebrity in your communities. You’re looked up to and envied. If you can spread the joy to others, don’t hold back.
My brother, Bill, sent me a video featuring Bruce Springsteen on “The Graham Norton Show” airing on the BBC. It’s an amazing moment that not only will remind you why he is truly “The Boss,” but perhaps will inspire you to share good feeling with others.
If you ever met your hero you’d hope they’d be as cool as this!
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN tells GRAHAM NORTON about the time he made a fans’ dreams come true. pic.twitter.com/5S1oBP90q9
— James Leighton (@JamesL1927) November 13, 2022
Aside from the feel-good story, Bruce mentions the Woody Allen film, “Stardust Memories,” the filmmaker’s ode to the dark side of celebrity. It provides even more context about the difference you can make in someone’s life with a small gesture of humility and giving.
One word: gratitude.
For all we have and for those who are need of some joy. Personally, I have it for all of you who spend time with me here each week, for our clients, friends, and colleagues working hard during a tough time.
Enjoy your weekend and those you’re closest to.
Back with a new post on Monday.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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For many years, my house was the destination for those radio and other colleagues who couldn’t get home for the holidays. I cooked everything from Cornish game hens to turkeys, depending on how many would share my table. There might also have been libations to dispel any awkward feelings. It was a simple thing that made all of us feel more thankful.
Always a wonderful idea to invite those with nowhere to go, Brian. Enjoy your Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving to the Jacobs Clan.
Back at you, Norman!
Warm words. My gratitude for you. Have a great Thanksgiving Day, Fred!
What a wonderful clip, Fred. I hadn’t seen or heard that story before. Heartwarming and funny. Thanks for sharing.
Fred, I lost my beloved mother two weeks ago, just six weeks shy of her 103rd birthday. She was my first friend. She was my best friend. I never would have had the wonderful life I had in radio without her, as more time than I can count she patiently–even joyfully, frankly–took me to various remotes or down to radio stations to pick up prizes. (Not to mention all those trips to Radio Shack for one component or another for my home-built station, K-Dave.) She even drove me to my first radio job before I had a license–which meant being my chauffeur both at midnight AND 6AM! Beyond all that, she was the single most thankful person I’ve ever known in my life. Without hesitation, the first words out of mouth when asked how she was doing–regardless of circumstances–was “much to be thankful for.” We actually have a letter from her doctor of many years who wrote to tell us that, no matter how stressed or overwhelmed she ever gets in her work, she thinks of my mom’s words and reminds herself she has “much to be thankful for.”
At this special season, I wish you and yours and all your readers a most blessed and Happy Thanksgiving, along with my mom’s reminder that we always have “much to be thankful for.”
Thanks for sharing that poignant story, David. I am always happy to hear about those parents who believed in their kids’ dreams early on, and supported them, like your Mom did yours. Paul, Bill, and I wwre also fortunate to have a Mom and Dad who gave us every chance to succeed – in radio or whatever we chose to do. My wife and I have done the same with our kids.
Condolences to you and your family for your Mom who was obviously a remarkable person. I know you’ll miss her this year on Thanksgiving. All the best to you and your family. And yes, we all have “much to be thankful for.”
November 26, 1986, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving. After making my door knocks and sales calls, back to the radio station, where normally you’re hit with a wall of cigarette smoke coming in the back door. But, today, a surprising different aroma: roast turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberries, bliss! Our WFON owners Lola Beckmann and Don Rabbitt laid it out for all. I think we also got a frozen turkey to take home. Wonderful memories in radioland.
Thanks for sharing your story, Leo. The great memories endure. Happy holidays to you and yours.
Reading all the nice stories on this thread shows the power of giving back to your friends or the wider community.I think smartphone use encourages people to look into themselves and stop thinking of others.
The constant smartphone usage is part of the selfishness problem we all face.The Thanksgiving holiday is a reminder to just stop,look up at your fellow man and decide how to make his and your lives better.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I “feel” it in restaurants where it’s the parents and a couple of kids, all staring at their personal screens. Not good, right? Sadly, I’ve been one of those dads myself.