Wednesday, November 25, 1998

Blessed by giving

Thanksgiving is a day filled with tradition. Its cup overflows with the stuff: from the sweet scent of cinnamon and pumpkin filling the air, to the aroma of pecans wafting in corn syrup and sugar, to the delicious smell of turkey roasting in the oven, to family and friends gathered together, putting aside the hurts of the year passed before them to be thankful for the time together, and even to watching the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions playing football, while we wonder why we overstuffed ourselves again when we promised we wouldn't do that this year.

But, it's more than all of that. Thanksgiving is a time when people come together to help others in need. I am thankful that I know people, who when the call comes, go to bat and hit the ball over the fence for those in need.

I am thankful that my friends know, or are learning, that giving to others is not a burden to one's self, but truly fills the giver with joy for having helped one in need.

Let us spread this joy, not just through the holiday season, but throughout the year. You, indeed, will be blessed by giving to others.

TERRI HUGHES

Abilene

Via e-mail

Designated drivers

With the holidays fast upon us, 'tis the season for celebration at holiday parties with family, friends and co-workers. While those of us in Abilene know the importance of celebrating responsibly, the holiday party designated driver is this season's hero.

Americans recognize designated drivers as an important group of people. A recent poll shows more than 90 percent of the public endorse the designated driver concept as an excellent or good way to curb drunk driving. And 109 million American adults say they have been a designated driver or have been driven home by one.

Drunk driving deaths are the lowest in 16 years. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released 1997 drunk driving statistics showing drunk driving fatalities have decreased 39 percent since the government began tracking these numbers in 1982. Designated drivers certainly deserve some of the credit for this downward trend. Obviously, there is still room for improvement, and we can't be satisfied until the number is zero.

Remember that by choosing a designated driver this holiday season, everybody has a good time, gets home safely and everybody wins.

MIKE WEBER

Ben E. Keith Beers

Abilene