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Strolling through Paradise City

Nov 21, 2022

Thanksgiving.

This Thursday, families across the country will be celebrating a holiday that holds a special place in my heart for some reason. They will do so by cooking up one of millions of slaughtered birds while our president continues the tradition of pardoning just one. It is a bizarre ritual, built upon an inaccurate representation of our (let’s say checkered) history with Native Americans in this country. I mention this merely as an observation. How could I possible judge, given the feast we plan for our home?

Despite it’s historical observations, Thanksgiving takes on different meanings depending on its observer. For some, it is something that we loathe due to the impending political arguments or the lack of understanding that comes from familial units separated by decades of experience, eliciting values ranging from ‘Communism for all’ to ‘Communism will kill us all’. For others, it is a truly sacred experience with religious overtones and a feast fit for royalty. For our humble abode, it has become symbolic of something truly meaningful to me - where the built family has come together to eat a shit ton of food and show some love.

Thanksgiving has many shortcomings, but when you come from an upbringing devoid of structure, you latch onto certain rituals. That’s what this holiday has become to me and the many loved ones I’ll be hosting. It is a place to see each other at a table together, to remind each other of who we do have in our corner, and despite the different stages in life, we have something to gain from being a part of this community.

Okay, that’s enough sappy shit from me - I just figured I’d offer some words on this holiday before delving into some cynicism that feels right at home with stoking the flames on Thanksgiving day. But I assure you, it’s all love, and despite our differences I’m quite stoked for each and every one of you joining me on this comics journey, and I hope you have a lovely holiday.

<3 Clyde