Gratitude

by Laurie Caswell Burke


As I observe the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I sometimes marvel at how frantic people allow themselves to get. They rush around at warp speed trying to find the perfect gift, make all the cookies, buy the tree, trim the tree and pen holiday cards. For me, the holidays have always offered a chance for reflection. I make an effort to not get caught up in the hubbub, and instead make time for friends and family any time they want to see me. 

I notice more and more that the line after Thanksgiving is often, "We should get together after the holidays." That seems ironic—isn’t getting together with good friends and being grateful for family what the spirit of the holidays is all about? Each year, my husband Tim and I try to take time to look back on the year and remember all the things that we have to be thankful for.

Our daughters Kate and Molly are always quick to come to mind. And we will be eternally grateful for the Stern Center and the role it has played in helping them both achieve their accomplishments.