SANDY GARRETT
EDMOND — Despite these tough economic times, Oklahomans have much for which we can be thankful this year. It may sound trite to some, but Oklahomans’ common sense and conservative natures have served us well during difficult times throughout our history.
And there is another quality that distinguishes Oklahomans, as well: enduring generosity. While budgets strain to keep providing federal, state and local government services to all, community organizations and neighborhood churches are reaching out to meet needs of families in crisis. Those same values were shared by the early colonists at Plimoth Plantation, as it was known then, near Plymouth, Mass.
In 1620, after a 66-day voyage on the Mayflower, the Pilgrims arrived north of their original destination in the Virginia colony, where scouts pronounced the area suitable for an abundant life. Disease and hardship took its toll, and the following year only 53 of the original 102 colonists remained.
Those who survived were weak but determined to survive, and even to thrive in the wilderness of this new world. They were sustained in that effort by the generosity of the Wampanoag, the Native American tribe living in the region.
Thankfully, the fall of 1621 brought abundant harvests — pumpkin, squash, Indian corn and wild game. Edward Winslow, in one of two first-hand accounts of the first Thanksgiving, wrote: “Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some 90 men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.”
The colonists held fast to the knowledge that they had arrived in their new home by divine appointment, and that other ships were likely on the way. On Nov. 9, following that first Thanksgiving celebration, a smaller vessel bearing supplies and able-bodied settlers arrived; it was called the Fortune.
The lessons of that first Thanksgiving are many, not the least of which is that the greatest measure of our values may not be in generosity when times are good, but in our willingness to share what we do have during times of hardship — our fortitude, faith and fortune.
It is my hope that you will be blessed with family and friends, and be a blessing to all as well, this Thanksgiving!
SANDY GARRETT is Oklahoma state superintendent of public instruction.
