Being Thankful

Each year around (American) Thanksgiving time, I like to join in the tradition of pausing to actually think about what I am thankful for. The short list follows:

While it seems obvious to be thankful that I have a warm place to sleep and don’t need to worry about where my next meal comes from, I am thankful for these things. On my walk to and from work, I have to go through the section of town that houses the majority of the homeless. There are lines of people coming out of the soup kitchens and missions. There are times I literally have to walk in the street because so many homeless are crowding under a single canopy of a building to avoid the rain that the sidewalk is full. And yet the people never cease to be friendly. I am constantly met with a smile and “Good morning!” And even the occasional, “You look beautiful.” (I’m pretty sure its because I have all my teeth.) So not only am I thankful that I do not have to live on the street, I’m grateful that somehow the people who do are friendly and kind and remind me that where you sleep doesn’t define you as a person.

I’m thankful that my mom forced me to learn how to cook as a kid. My parents suffered through many meals of hamburger helper while trying to teach me to follow a recipe. It’s because of them that when a guy asks if I can cook, I can answer in the affirmative. And if they inquire further as to if my definition of cooking means more than boiling water, I can deck them.

I am thankful for my friends. It never ceases to amaze me how I ended up with such great friends. Friends to spend Saturday’s tailgating with, to go camping with, to complain and gossip with and to do craft nights with. Friends who love it when you invite yourself to visit just because. And friends who will answer the phone with, “Where are you? I’m grabbing my keys and am on my way to get you,” because you don’t normally talk on the phone so it must be an emergency. Friends that love you for who you are. Even if you’re cynical and stubborn.

I’m thankful that my parents never told me there was an option not to go to college. And that my parents strongly encouraged education. I’m also thankful that with a MBA behind me, I never have to go back to school if I don’t want to.

I am thankful for my family. I have the most incredible immediate and extended family. We are a family that supports each other with out question. We like to spend time together and do it as often as possible. We are a family that will travel hundreds of miles to be there for a special occasion. A family that is always happy to see or hear from each other. Enough amazing things cannot be said about my family. It was something I took for granted as a kid. It’s something I treasure and am proud of as an adult.

In addition to all that serious stuff, I’m truly thankful for two days off from work. November is brutal in my office and I am looking forward to some rest, relaxation, delicious food and football. And that all I have to do is bring the wine.

Hmmm . . .perhaps I’m most thankful that my dear friends and family actually read my blog! Happy Thanksgiving!