Giving Thanks

Last Thursday, as the turkey and stuffing was eaten, the gravy was poured and the football games watched, it dawned on me that we may have lost sight of the the concept of Thanksgiving.  Sure, people say they are thankful for their meal and to be with family and friends, but it's rarely a time of serious reflection.  Especially when the smell of a sweet pecan pie is wafting through the air.  I'll admit, I didn't really reflect that day either.  A triple creme brie and a glass of nice Cabernet had my thoughts elsewhere.  But as the days passed, especially Monday night I started to really be thankful.

I'm thankful for my mother, who isn't with me anymore.  I'm thankful for her teaching me compassion and patience, even if at times I don't show them.  In doing so, I have become a better person.

I'm thankful for my father, who taught me to look for more.  Look for the clues, the answers and to question everything that doesn't sound right.  In doing so, I have become a smarter person.

I'm thankful for my brother, who despite driving me crazy half the time, makes me realize that even the ones we love can test us, but in the end, we love them for it.  In doing so, I have learned to understand other's points of view.

I'm thankful for my grandmother, who at 97, has taught me to live every day like it's your last.  To enjoy your friendships and to love your family.  In doing so, I don't sit around and wait for something to happen, I try to make it happen myself and try to add something to other's lives as well.

I'm thankful for my mother's parents, who taught me that everyone should be treated fairly and to show appreciation for even the little things, goes a very long way.  In doing so, I learned that despite physical or philosophical differences, we're all the same.

I'm thankful for the handful of teachers along the way who made learning, regardless of the subject matter, fun.  They didn't open the doors for me, they showed me how to open them myself.  In doing so, I don't take anything at face value without investigating, researching and coming to my own conclusions.

I'm thankful for my friends.  They have taught me to laugh and to count on one another.  In doing so, they have made my life better.  Laughter is by far the best medicine for whatever ails you, no matter how serious that ailment may be.  They have also shown me the importance of being able to count on someone and have them count on you.

I'm thankful for the hundreds, maybe thousands of kids I've worked with over the years, for showing me that no matter how bad things get, I can see hope and excitement in their eyes.  This is what keeps me going.  In doing so, they give me subtle reminders, that my life, no matter how mundane it may seem at times, does make a difference.

Finally, I'm thankful for those who have come into my life (and some have gone) who made a difference.  Whether it be a girlfriend, a co-worker, or just a friend.  I'm thankful to those people, who for a time, made my life a little better. I'm thankful to the my best friends along the way, for showing me that true friendship is love.  I'm thankful the one's I've loved along the way, even if I didn't always show it.  I'm thankful to those people, who for short times, made my life complete.  For those who listened, for those who confided and for those who were just there.  Maybe nothing more than gazing at the stars or sitting by my side on a bus.  In doing so, they made me a better all around person.  They made me realize that life is all about give and take.  For every time someone needed me, there was someone who was there when I needed them.  Isn't that what life is really all about?

For all these people - Thank You.