Giving Thanks

This past week we, along with much of the country, we celebrated Thanksgiving.  This year was a little different for us, as my parents, recently retired and all, headed south to warmer weather.  Also, as my sister was headed to New Hampshire to observe the holiday, we actually only celebrated with family in Fort Wayne this year.  Regardless, Thanksgiving continues to be my favorite holiday - it's built around family, food, and reflecting on being thankful, how do you beat that.

Inevitably, observing the holiday causes me to reflect on things in the past year, and remind myself, amidst the busyness of work and the chaoticness of holiday traveling and shopping and planning, just how very fortunate I am.  Thanksgiving provides that opportunity for reflection that is sometimes missed or overlooked at other times during the year, but an exercise that I believe is so instrumental in maintaining a balanced outlook in my life.

Some random things I am thankful for over the past year....work schedule flexibility that allows me to take a day a week to spend with Maia....working with people I like....having a job that, at least part of the time, is interesting....having read so many good books this year....the Fort Wayne Zoo membership that allowed us to take multiple trips this summer and fall....the Tigers providing a summer and fall distraction....baseball games....a great family vacation in Pentwater this year....Maia, at least so far, loving books as much as I do....grandparents that will do anything to make Maia smile....parents that don't let you forget that they will always be there for you....a dog that has never done anything to Maia, despite being hit, pulled, grabbed, and pushed....dancing with Maia....snowblowers....adoption....

I'm most thankful for Jackie...always am.  Seems to me that most everything good I have in my life derives from my relationship with her; she pushes me to be a better husband, father, a better person each and every day.  It never gets old sharing your life with your best friend, and that is something I am very thankful for, this year and every year.

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." - Epicurus