Thanks

As Thanksgiving approaches, it seems a good time to stop and say a few words of thanks to those who make the journey of chemical sensitivity easier for those of us who walk it. There are many things for which to be grateful, and I’ll list a handful of them that come to mind, in no particular order. I'm sure I speak for many when I express true, heartfelt gratitude for the following:

• Friends and family members who make the changes necessary so that we can be part of their lives

• People who not only educate themselves about toxicity and chemical sensitivity issues, but make the effort to educate others, as well

• People who help us meet basic needs for food, shelter and clothing when doing so becomes challenging and complicated

• Family members who take care of the home-related tasks we can no longer accomplish

• Friends and family members who make an effort to stay in touch through e-mail or phone contact

• People who are willing to endure some discomfort, such as meeting outside in non-perfect weather, so that we can be part of a gathering

• Christian radio, television and internet ministries

• Manufacturers who make healthier products and the retailers who carry them

• Doctors who treat us and speak for us despite the battles they face with insurers and others

• Neighbors who care for their lawns in non-toxic ways

• Business owners who use safer cleaning and maintenance products

• People who believe us when we describe our reactions to chemicals, although our experience is strange and foreign to them

• People who work on behalf of the chemically sensitive community by maintaining websites, running support groups, writing books and doing other advocacy work

• The comfort found through Christ, and the promise of a better life to come