Opinions

WHY I GIVE THANKS: Home again to a loving and caring community

Published by LPulaski on Thu, 11/25/2021 - 8:00am

I am truly thankful for so many things in my life that I cannot possibly list them all in such a short essay, but I’ve included those things that are most important and influential in my life. Thank you for allowing me to share them with you.

I am thankful for a loving and supportive family …

WHY I GIVE THANKS: Faith, family, friends and the beautiful Northwoods

Published by LPulaski on Thu, 11/25/2021 - 8:00am

Faith

Always be thankful for everything God has provided. God has provided family, friends and this beautiful place in northeast Wisconsin.

I am thankful for our church community, especially Father Nusi and the Knights of Columbus members, who support me spiritually as well as through fellowship. Giving thanks to God is something I need to do more often, not just once a year at Thanksgiving or just when life is going well.

Family

WHY I GIVE THANKS: Seeking joy and miracles in every moment

Published by LPulaski on Thu, 11/25/2021 - 8:00am

Being thankful means being grateful and finding joy every day!

WHY I GIVE THANKS: Grateful for those special moments of clarity

Published by LPulaski on Thu, 11/25/2021 - 8:00am

Every once in a while, you’ll have one of those moments of clarity — when you see the world from a different perspective. Suddenly, the colors are a little brighter, and your happiness catches you off guard. I had one of those moments today. A split-second of pause when you think to yourself, “Everything is OK.”

WHY I GIVE THANKS: Thankful for local heroes, friends, family

Published by LPulaski on Thu, 11/25/2021 - 12:00am

This opportunity to share with the community about what I am thankful for could not have come at a better time. I am currently reading John Maino’s book “Fifty Strong,” a collection of the personal stories about local veterans. Reading this book, during a time when we celebrate Veterans Day, has given me perspective and reminds me of the freedoms we have in America.

WHY I GIVE THANKS: Emerging from pandemic season with gratitude

Published by LPulaski on Thu, 11/25/2021 - 12:00am

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted many of us in various ways. There have been times of great sorrow. But it has also provided me the opportunity to recognize who and what is important in my life. Despite the losses, I have much to be thankful for.

Nov. 19, 2020. The phone call I never wanted to receive. It was my 96-year-old-mother. “I have COVID. I can’t taste or smell anything. My throat hurts, I ache all over and I can’t stop coughing.” I could tell from her voice she was scared — and so was I.

WHY I GIVE THANKS: Early lessons led to a lifetime of service

Published by LPulaski on Thu, 11/25/2021 - 12:00am

There are numerous opportunities, blessings and gifts in life, and I try to focus my appreciation on them every day.

I, personally, am most appreciative of being raised in a home of faith. I wish that everyone could have this kind of upbringing. People of faith learn personal strength, independence, humility and kindness. Our community has many people of faith across many denominations. I believe it positively contributes to our cooperation and common sense approaches to our challenges.

WHY I GIVE THANKS: Grateful for non-negotiables — family, career, relationships

Published by LPulaski on Thu, 11/25/2021 - 12:00am

Recently I attended the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association Conference in Wisconsin Dells for three days, and one of the lectures I attended talked about non-negotiables in your life.

When I was asked to list what I was thankful for, I immediately went to those non-negotiables. When it comes right down to it, my family, my career and my relationships instantly come to mind.

GUEST COLUMN: False choice between agriculture, clean water

Published by LPulaski on Wed, 11/24/2021 - 12:25pm

In a state as abundant in water as Wisconsin, it’s easy to take for granted the rich groundwater resources running below our feet. Our Great Lakes contain 20% of the world’s fresh surface water, and there is more than enough water available for drinking, recreation, wildlife and business. However, growing concerns over the public health and ecological impacts of agricultural and industrial pollutants in our water mean we must reevaluate how we manage water resources in Wisconsin.

GUEST COLUMN: Thank a farmer for what’s on the table this holiday

Published by LPulaski on Wed, 11/24/2021 - 12:10pm

Happy Thanksgiving. With these words, you often hear a message of thanks. This holiday, I echo this message and share my immense gratitude to everyone from the farmer to the consumer. In 2021, however, I also want to share my tremendous pride this Thanksgiving, and I hope you, Wisconsin agriculture, are proud as well.