So, here we are, again. Another "Thanksgiving" to deal with. So... let's deal with it. While we're at it, let's think about everything we're thankful for. Start with waking up every morning, and thanking God for the gift of another day in paradise and yet another day to excel in life. Any day on this side of the dirt is another opportunity to learn and excel, and to be thankful.
I often think of Stephen Hawking, when giving thanks, all crippled up in his wheelchair, computer for a voice, but it didn't seem to slow him down. For those who persevere, I am thankful.
I retired from the military. I retired from an Institutional Review Board. I retired for good when I left for Mississippi, after assisting in the rebuild of a golf and country club in Washington state, because my dad had a stroke. My dad passed in 2019 after his fourth stroke, and beating prostate cancer years earlier. He was almost 89, living to be twice as old as any male has in his family. I now carry out his wish to take care of my mother. I am thankful.
I have a son, a daughter-in-law, a daughter, a son-in-law, and two grandkids. Everyone is healthy and hard working. I am blessed, and so very thankful.
I am blessed to have Terry and Shadow. I am blessed to have good friends I stay in touch with, friends I see daily, new friends I make every week, and a "family" of military comrades I am blessed to know, blessed and so very thankful for all those around me.
Every year I think about everything I want in life. Every year I want nothing. I already have all I wish for. I strive to be happy always and in all things. I am, more times than not, always happy, because the alternative simply sucks.
The only prayer I ever say daily is "Thank you!" I say it every morning when I wake up, no matter where I wake up, rich or poor, I give thanks to my God, the supreme power in the universe, from which all is created.
I will be cooking another Thanksgiving feast for three. We will set the table with our finest, open some wine and toast those still with us, and those who have passed. We will toast our men and women in uniform and those "first responders" who have been a blessing to us. We will say a prayer and forgive the League of the Perpetually Offended, as I do every year, so I can start afresh, stacking on their destain for me. I try so very hard not to judge. It is so much better to give thanks. I am thankful.
To all of you who know me, know that you are loved and appreciated for all you have meant to me, done for me, or have allowed me the opportunity to do for you. When we meet again, let us raise our glasses and toast to happiness, to friendship, to family, and to this country we love so much! I am forever thankful to live in this great country of ours.
God bless you all! I salute you and wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving!