Thanksgiving Wishes

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I know, I have been rather absent as the year has started to draw to a close. It has been a very exciting, action packed, adventurous, scary, busy and crazy year. I know I must not be the only one, but it has been something else. As today approached, I have been thinking hard of all the things I have been thankful for this year. This year has been, easily, one of the most eventful years of my life. More has happened to me, and I have embarked on more adventures, than I thought possible. I have allowed myself to take a few moments to pause and think of the impact all of these things have had on me, and what they mean to me.

And we all should this time of year. As always, I think we should use this opportunity, amidst the turkey, sports, parades and naps, to take a moment and reflect upon our lives. We should take a few moments this day and look at our lives and see all that we have, personally, for to be thankful. In a dangerous world where many things seem to be hopeless and the news a never ending parade of sadness and fear, we tend to forget the good things that have happened to us.

I have more than a few things to be thankful for this year. And if you will allow me a moment of indulgence, I would like to share them with you, and give thanks for each one. I have shared some of these with you before, but they remain as strong to me now as they did previously. A few of these will be new, and they mean the world to me as well.

I am thankful for….

….good friends both close and far away. As we go through life, new people enter it all the time and old people tend to leave it. Be it because of changes in us, or them, time or distance, we tend to lose friends along the way, left only in our memories. I am thankful that I have some really dear friends in my life that I have known for a long time. That after much time, distance, moving, changes in our lives, our careers, our tastes, likes and dislikes we have managed to stay friends and keep close is not only a wonder, but much to be thankful for. I am very thankful that I have kept, and continue to keep, these beautiful souls in my life. Today I will miss a good portion of them, as we are rather scattered by life, fate and design. But all of them will be in my mind and heart.

…. my family. This year I am thankful that I have the opportunity to spend this day with my loving parents that helped me become the man I am today and a wondrous brother who never ceases to amaze and entertain me.

….the people that protect and defend me, those I love, and everyone else in this country. Thank you for all that you do. It does not go unnoticed.

….my loving in-laws. You will never hear from me any mother in law or father in law jokes, because mine are wonderful, caring and kind people who have happily accepted me into their family with open arms. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to spend today with them as well. It is a long time coming, and far overdue.

…. my pets. I am thankful for Wilshire, our big fat cat who’s quirky and dingy personality still makes me laugh. I am thankful for Logan, our golden retriever who unfortunately passed away this year. Each day I think of him, miss him, wish he were still here and thank God for the time I had with the big Galoot. What I learned, and still learn, from his big happy orange self still amazes, astounds and humbles me. And I am thankful for Tucker, our new Labrador Retriever mix puppy who has brought new joy, new happiness and new energy into our home. He has been instrumental in helping us get past Logan’s passing, bringing us happiness and closer together, and making our house once again a home.

….the most wonderful wife for which any man could ask or want. I am beyond lucky to be with a beautiful, intelligent, sexy, caring and sweet woman, who is far kinder, nicer, and loves me more than I could ever deserve. And this Thanksgiving is even more special for us and me, as this year she became my wife. Nothing I have done or have been a part of means more to me than the moment she said I do. I have said this before, but I could say it every day and it would never lose its meaning. She is understanding, caring, patient, loving and most important; she loves me for exactly who I am, warts and all. She is easily the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I’ve had more than a few great things happen to me in my life. I am thankful not only to have her as a part of my life, but also that she is my wife and we can look forward to a lifetime of love, laughter, happiness, sadness, joy and tears together.


These are things that are very meaningful to me, and I feel strongly about giving thanks for having them all in my life. No amount of money, material goods or societal trappings could give me the joy and love that each of the above brings me. Everyone out there please make your own list, and think of the things in your life that bring you true joy and happiness not only today, but each day. Remind yourself each day of these things, especially as you go through your day to day lives. We can get so wrapped up in the minutiae of everyday life, we tend to forget what is really important to us. Keep these things close, so you do not lose sight of what is truly important in your own lives.

I know many of us out there probably do not think they have that much for to be thankful, especially this year considering the state of our economy and our world.. And I know there are those out there who have lost more than they have gained this year, and can right now only look upon these times of joy with tears and sadness. But remember, if the joy was not there originally, the sadness would not be there now. You have people in your life that you can lean on through the tough times, and that is something for which you can give thanks. If you know someone who is having a hard time this year, or less fortunate than you, reach out to them, give them a shoulder to cry on, a leg to stand on, a friend to talk to and to spend time with. Giving comes after thanks, and both should always go hand in hand. Remember, if you have a few good friends and family, you have more than most. If you can find a way to come together for this day and spend time with each other, you have all you really need this day. Best wishes this Thanksgiving Day to one and all.