It’s not a good week to be a turkey in the United States of America. In just a few days, countless tables will be blessed with turkey, potato, pumpkin pie, and who knows how many other kinds of food. And people will — in theory — take a pause from their busy lives to think of their many blessings.

But at too many tables, one chair will be empty. It may belong to a son or daughter or mom or dad, who cannot be there because he or she is serving in a country far away. Or it may be a family member who is a nurse or doctor or store clerk or other person required to work while everyone else is gathered at home. Or maybe a student off to college, unable to get home in time for Thanksgiving.

Sadly though, in too many families, it will be someone who could be there, but chooses not to be. [Read more...]