Growing up, I wasn’t prone to stomachaches. Even so, you could set your clock by the fact that I would get a huge one every Thanksgiving, because although I had a child-sized tummy, I also had a supersized appetite for everything that was served at my family’s annual feast.
There I’d be, clutching my stomach and asking and myself why, why, WHY I had thought that third helping of stuffing was a good idea – all while hoping that someone had a bottle of Tums, Rolaids or Pepto Bismol nearby.
Yet there I would also be the following year with loaded plate in hand ready to enjoy – and yes, over-indulge in – another amazing meal. Because even then I was wise enough to know that what would stick with me and really matter in the long run was the memories of all that good stuff (and the loving hands that prepared it) rather than the heartburn.
It’s a lot like how I approach my work with ALAN.
Each year there’s 100% chance that I’ll rub elbows with a significant amount of heartache thanks to the many disasters that hit.
However each year countless good people like you also step forward to help in a really big way.
Sometimes that help comes in the form of donated transportation, warehousing, equipment and services (I’m talking to you Camrett, LeSaint, TQL, UPS Foundation, Satellite, Saddle Creek, Paddock Transport, Hobby Lobby and Shippers Group).
Other times it’s embodied by the innovative programs that provide us with much-needed funding (like CSCMP’s current November-December membership campaign, #CSCMPGivesBack and Freightwaves’ diecast-trucks-for-donations program – check them both out!)
And other times it’s come from ALAN’s Lead Sponsor, Sustainers, Sponsors, Supporters, Contributors and Patrons, whose generous donations have been instrumental in allowing us to continue saving lives through logistics for 15 years – and counting.
Regardless of form, that help is an extraordinary thing to witness. And like the positive memories of my delicious childhood Thanksgiving meals, it tends to be what stands out in my mind far more than the hard-stuff that goes hand-in-hand with working in disaster relief – and why I’m not exaggerating when I say I have the best job in the world.
So as I sit down to give thanks this year, please know that you and your giving are a big part of what I’m grateful for. Also? Remind me to stop at just two slices of pie this time around.
