Give Thanks For Duct Tape and Modern Medicine

Michelle Momper

Since Thanksgiving is only a heartbeat away, and thousands of frozen turkeys are being stocked at this very moment, I thought it fitting to show appreciation for all the little things in life. Oh, yes, while millions of Americans give thanks for family and friends, blah blah blah, I want to give homage to the material possessions that really make life worth living. The things that are ignored, overlooked, and well, underappreciated this time of year. So as you consider the best stuffing recipes and plan your desserts for Turkey Day, take a moment of silence (grab a tissue). This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for:

Over-The-Counter Medicine. Got a stuffy nose, a headache, an annoying wart on your toe? By golly, there’s a drugstore on practically every corner of suburbia! I love the feeling of scrambling through the automatically opening doors, ignoring the friendly cashier that greets me, as I torpedo straight back to the analgesics and allergy medicine aisle. There’s nothing like it! Dozens of boxes filled with the promise of a clear head and dry nose. And don’t get me started on the foot care section! Amen, I say, to Dr. Scholl’s and generic brands.

Duct Tape. How many products can you name that not only help repair a broken toy, but can be fashioned into a prom dress, and help men around the world feel like master carpenters? And now, available in an array of colors and hues, the possibilities are endless. Have a broken drawer in the kitchen? Find the Duct Tape. Is your hem coming unraveled on your favorite pair of pants? Tape it up. Is your car bumper dragging and making sparks on the pavement? Get the roll! It’s a miracle if I’ve ever seen one.

Coffee. Oh, I know it’s been around for years. But truly, how many of us can get through a morning without it? The aroma … the sounds of gurgles and drips from the coffee maker. The magical moment of placing a warm mug between your frozen hands in the middle of winter. It makes me smile just thinking about it. And oh, the creamers … amaretto, Irish cream, caramel or French vanilla. Without our coffee, we’re nothing.

Contact lenses. Let’s face it. Without modern eye care, we’d all be frozen in time as preteens with acne. We’d all be slumped down on the therapist’s couch, sobbing about being called “four eyes,” and sucking our thumbs. Thank goodness for modern frames and color choices, versus the, oh, maybe four choices we had in the 70s. “Would you like gold or silver medal frames in this beautiful geometric shape that makes you look like Ben Franklin?” All hail to soft lenses and vanity!

Reality TV. This might seem a little perplexing, but stay with me. If you’ve ever had a day when you think, “Geez, can things get any worse?” all you have to do is tune in to see Tila Tequila’s latest adventure, or watch an episode of Lockup or Intervention, and you’ll magically think, “Hey, my life is pretty good!” Watching other people’s rants and raves, obsessions and fist fights has a way of putting your life in perspective.

Family and Friends. Okay, so seriously, when it comes down to it, what else is there? Whether it’s your crazy Aunt Tilda, who drinks too much booze at family functions or your estranged cousin with a questionable past, Thanksgiving is all about harmony. Dedicating one day to count your blessings, overlook flaws, and come together in one room is worth it. Eat your pie, calories be damned, and enjoy the moment. But don’t forget the little things.