Benjamin now has the blessing of someone with the title of TSS, which in plain English is a nice person who shows up after school. She happens to be black, Muslim, and pregnant. Every week day they work side by side, going for walks to get exercise and chat, doing household chores, baking muffins, and practicing calming techniques. 

Last week I suggested they work on written letters. Benjamin takes fonts seriously, and spent just shy of ten minutes addressing each envelope. I thank the anonymous postal service worker who took the extra time to decipher the ornate, and crowded, letters. The addressees were his siblings, who do not currently have pen pals. I left the content up to Ben. 

"Thanks for inviting me to your wedding. It was fun to visit Missouri. How is work going?"

"I am very sorry to hear that your apartment was flooded. I hope things are better."

The recipients of these notes were appreciative, even teary. Being thanked, especially on paper fills a need that all of us share. While I do not often write my gratitude to God, today is a day earmarked for such sentiments. Even people who usually skip the mealtime blessing, remember it on Thanksgiving.

I notice that the second half of that word implies an effort. A connection between two, comprised of indebtedness.  While we are at it, it's a good time to offer a benediction as well. 

"May God bless you and your onion."