Thanksgiving was not a National Holiday until 1863, but thanks to a lot of people and this amazing woman, we all get to enjoy the many benefits of a day dedicated to giving thanks. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring ” a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise,” which was the result of a 36-year campaign started by Sarah Josepha Buell Hale.
This declaration, a 36-year campaign started by Sarah Josepha Buell Hale: a magazine editor, writer (author of “Mary had a Little Lamb”), and mother of 5. Her efforts to make Thanksgiving a national holiday can be traced back to a passage of her 1827 novel Northwood which reads, “We have too few holidays. Thanksgiving should be a national holiday observed by all people.”
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful to Sarah Joseph Buell Hale for her tenacity (36-years!) and her belief in the importance of giving thanks. She sounds like a modern-day entrepreneur to me!
Thanksgiving always reminds me to reflect on all of my blessings and the things I have learned from truly listening. Many of us go around a table filled with family, friends, colleagues, or strangers and share what we are most thankful for.
So today, in the true spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a minute to share what I am most thankful for this year. Of all the things I am most grateful for, there are four that rise above the rest.
Our customers.
Your thoughtful comments and suggestions have made our product, experience,
Our families’ patience.
Julie and I could not do this without the full support of our families. It is not the long hours or the physical support you give but the belief in our mission that we most appreciate.
The media.
The media who has graciously shared our story. As our story has evolved, we thank the many influencers, writers, editors, and publishers who have shared the evolution of our product, the experience, and the why of gardening.
The team.
Our team works every day to deliver an unparalleled gardening experience with customers across the country. Our growth would not be possible without your commitment to excellence and your can-do spirit. You have introduced the “I Grew That” feeling to people across the country through the experience of gardening. You know how I feel about this Company, you know how I feel about all of you, but it is beyond a privilege to be working alongside you to be introducing the joy of growing great things to our customers.
Happy Thanksgiving! And a special thank you to the amazing foresight of Sarah Josepha Buell Hale.
Donna