Every Thanksgiving holiday, I find it meaningful and important to reflect on what I am thankful for in my life. As we celebrate this season in our own way, be it with family, friends, food and other activities, I encourage everyone to remember what it is in your life that fills you with gratitude and thankfulness. Because regardless of any situation, each of us has many things for which we should be thankful. I hope you enjoy reading my gratitude list, some of which are significant, and some which may seem silly, but all of which are meaningful to me.
This season, I am thankful for:
My parents, for the grace and guidance they continue to instill in me daily;
Traveling around this great country, meeting interesting people, hearing their stories, and realizing that in spite of our problems, we live in the greatest country in the world;
Activists, people who care enough to seek change, who put their time and resources on the line, and whether we agree with their views or not, we respect their rights as they respect ours;
Front porches or rear decks in the summer time, where friends gather to share stories and offer opinions, a book can be read in comfort, or where one can simply sit and enjoy the sounds and smells of the day or the night;
My children, now making their way as adults, who amaze me, inspire me and make me feel cared about even though they tease me often;
Walking along a beach, watching my dog jump through waves and chase other dogs, and seeing what “not having a care in the world” actually looks like;
Real southern food, like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, biscuits, cobbler and more, then introducing these dishes to someone who has not had such before, and watching him realize he just found a new favorite food;
Vacations, a time to recharge, regroup, and explore beyond our daily world;
Old buildings and old cars, and the people who care enough to take the time and effort to restore them to beauty again;
My Senior Softball league, where those of us who play know that every now and then we might make a difference in the game, and for a few moments remember again that time in life call youth;
Hobbies and interests, be it playing on a sailboat, riding a bike, working on old houses, or learning about wine, it all makes life enjoyable and interesting;
Friends, the ones we don’t get to see often, but for a few times a year, and yet when we do, we instantly remember why we became friends in the first place;
The caregivers, those who put aside their own lives to make sure others are provided for;
All of my colleagues and co-workers, beyond compare the best folks I have ever worked with, they are the reason I love my job and find every day exciting and purposeful;
And finally, my wife, who is also my best friend and companion, gives me unconditional support, makes me feel important, and loves me just because.
I wish all of you and your families a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.