Thanksgiving is tomorrow and as everyone ponders what they are thankful for, I have compiled a list for all of you to read.  For my first official blog post, I figured that there wasn’t a better time to show everyone what I am most thankful for.  However, before I jump to my list, I wanted to talk about Thanksgiving itself.

We all know the story of the Pilgrims and Native Americans holding the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621, but are you aware that the settlers in Virginia actually held a Thanksgiving feast in 1619  at the Berkeley Plantation?  In fact, the settlers original charter required that they set aside a day to give thanks.  However, due to to the harsh conditions and various other factors, this tradition amongst these settlers did not persevere.

Therefore, credit is given to the Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth Meeting for celebrating the first Thanksgiving.  As we know, upon settling in Plymouth Meeting, the Pilgrims were hit with very hard times as half of the original settlers failed to survive the brutal weather and diseases that the “New World” contained.  Fortunately, the following season’s harvest was so bountiful that the Pilgrims decided to hold a 3 day feast for celebration and thanksgiving.  The Native Americans were invited to participate to show appreciation for helping the colony survive the harsh weather that Massachusetts is so known for.

Looking back upon the history of Thanksgiving, I often ask myself, if they could do it then, why can’t we do it now?  Why can’t Americans accept those who, no matter skin color, religion, sex, etc, have helped us in some way or fashion and be thankful.  When I first moved to Philadelphia, I truly was hit with a major culture shock.  My hometown of Palmyra, Pennsylvania isn’t the most diverse place to grow up and Dickinson College, my alma mater, prides itself on our diversity, but we’re not inundated with it unless we, as students, choose to be.  Ohio Northern University, (law school) is a totally different story… Moving to Philly though, I found myself working with blacks, Hispanics, Asians, homosexuals, transgendered persons and I realized one thing;  We’re all human!  I am so very thankful that I moved to Philadelphia so that I could learn more about everyone’s culture, religions, thoughts, desires in life, etc.  I have developed so much since moving to Philadelphia that I can barely fathom what my life would be without this experience.  I use what I learn every day in my practice and in my personal life.  I work with everyone from the poor to rich with issues that are affecting their lives and I don’t care what they are/were or want to be.  I just want to help them!!

That’s enough about that, here’s my list of what I am thankful for:

1. my family (which is constantly expanding) and their constant support,
2. the many soldiers and veterans who have risked their life for my freedom,
3. my many friends who have also shown me lots of support (even though doing so with a lot of friendly ribbing),
4. my mentors who have shown me the path in the legal field, including what pitfalls to avoid,
5. Solosez and the NUMEROUS attorneys willing to give advice or make me laugh when it was needed,
6. my professors and teachers who told me that I could do anything I wanted to do,
7. the professors and teachers who told me that I would never become a successful lawyer (thanks for the extra push), and finally
8. my wonderful clients who have put their trust in me to provide them with the best legal advice and services that one can offer!

Without all of you guys, Crosson Law Office wouldn’t be successful!!  Thank you again and as I eat Thanksgiving dinner with my family, you all will be in my thoughts!