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The Fall colors are on full display at Texas State University's campus. A view of the trees next to bodies of water that are remnants of a U.S. Federal Fish Hatchery, surrounding the Theatre Center and J.C. Kellam Administration Building. Daily Record photos by Gerald Castillo

Happy Thanksgiving

Giving thanks for a friend, hoping for peace this holiday
Thursday, November 28, 2019

What has three syllables and ends with Tums? Thanks-giv-ing. 

Okay, it’s a little corny but it's truly one of my favorite holidays. Time to get together with family I haven't seen in a while and simply catch up. No stress of gift sharing – just a time to visit, culminated by a feast fit for the ages.

In Thanksgiving's past, I have been lucky enough to cut into a Greenberg Turkey straight from the smokehouses in Tyler, Texas. They're a little pricey but worth every penny. 

Last year I managed to abscond with a recipe from my mother-in-law of what quite possibly is the best dressing I've ever tasted. Throw in a pumpkin pie from my beautiful wife and I'm good to go.

Unfortunately, this year we won't be heading north to visit family. Too much happening is in Hays County to leave, and honestly, in less than 28 days I'll be up in D/FW, only this time for Christmas.

A group of bikers ride by on University Drive along the edge of campus.

I've always been taught to be thankful and being thankful makes for a better giver/giving.

Webster's Dictionary wrote being thankful as showing outwardly gratitude, satisfaction, or delight.

The Bible says thankfulness produces supernatural peace.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6.

Those who know me are aware I struggle with Paul's statement – daily! Being anxious seems to be woven into my DNA. Still, every morning when I roll out of bed and my feet hit the floor, I can honestly say I am thankful. 

Tracy Herman

There are those, however, who will be struggling this Thanksgiving, perhaps for the first time. Folks who have lost loved ones due to circumstances beyond their control. It's to them I pray for peace. Such a person is Gary Herman, husband to Tracy Herman. 

I hadn't been at the Daily Record long before I met the little spitfire that was Tracy. I immediately liked her. When she'd come by the office,  it wouldn't take long before you knew she was there with her booming voice and high energy.

When I joined the Rotary Club of San Marcos, she welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home. It didn't seem long after we got the word, she was sick only to find out later it was cancer.

On November 26 Tracy gave up her battle with the disease and went to be with God. 

I'm thankful I met Tracy and could call her my friend. To all who have experienced loss for the first time this holiday season, peace be with you.    

I'll see you another day, Tracy.

Editor's Note: Funeral arrangements for Tracy were not available at press time on Wednesday.

San Marcos Record

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P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666