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"Every year, as the air turns colder, we turn inward to family and friends and give thanks."
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Happy Thanksgiving,
John.
Today, I’m thankful for many people and many things — and that includes the National Partnership’s wonderfully loyal community of friends and supporters.
As you hopefully enjoy some restful and relaxing time off, I want to share this poignant post from Erika Moritsugu, our new vice president for economic justice.
It’s a good read for today when you hopefully find a few minutes for yourself.
Thanks for all that you do ... for your family and for all families,
— Debra
 Erika Moritsugu | November 25, 2019
Every year, as the air turns colder, we turn inward to family and friends and give thanks.
While the holiday itself has a complicated history in our nation, the Thanksgiving table is wonderfully malleable, with folks preparing beloved family recipes or enticing new sides, mixing in dishes from many cultural influences alongside steadfast American traditional staples.
Dinner may be earlier in the day to accommodate children, elders, or working people who need to head in for a long Black Friday shift. Folding tables are brought out to make space, benches and armchairs are pulled up to ensure there is room for everyone. Whether the table is full of multiple generations, chosen family, near-strangers or a few gathered friends, everyone has a seat.
In this season, it is important to reflect on these relationships that enrich our lives.
Things that remain the same from year to year are comforting, and things that have changed — new children, graduations, illnesses, or lost loved ones — bring reasons to come together to celebrate or cope.
It reminds us that, in the fight for paid family and medical leave, we must never lose sight of the relationships that are at the heart of our work: the grandpa who is helping to raise his beloved grandchildren; the daughter supporting her mother after surgery; the blurry-eyed new parents; the wife caring for her husband after a combat injury; the uncle setting his life aside to be there after each round of his niece’s chemotherapy.
This is whom we dishonor when we delay action on a comprehensive national paid leave policy.
P.S.
John, we’re thinking about creating an “impeach racism” magnet or sticker for 2020. Click thumbs up or thumbs down if you like that idea, and we’ll move on it if there’s enough interest. Thanks!
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