No, as you say, you don't have to attribute your blessings to God.

I am not a very religious person. However, when my entire family was in a life-threatening situation a few years ago, I certainly prayed to God to keep us safe, and when he did, I certainly thanked Him profusely afterwards.

Your comment shows how different people react differently to stress situations.

As to your final question, when illness or tragedy has resulted in death or complication, I have always asked God for support and consolation. But, again, that's just me

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

I was going to tackle FT's “no God” issue after Thanksgiving, but since you broached on it and since it is Thanksgiving (tomorrow), let me just ask those who say there is no God (I have always been curious about this.)

“When you have faced a great personal tragedy in your life, perhaps almost lost a loved one; perhaps recovered from a grave illness; perhaps faced some other disaster and came out of it OK, who do you give thanks to for your loved one surviving, for recovering from the illness; for avoiding the disaster?”

I don't want to put anyone on the spot–I am just very curious.

Prove it.

About the “no God,” glad you brought it up.

I had a long discussion about it with a friend, over a couple of Dos Equis' (with lime, of course) in the Yucatan Peninsula a few weeks ago, and I have been meaning to write about it.

But, It will have to be after Thanksgiving.

Have a Happy one.