Thoughts of thanksgiving
2010-11-26 || Lou Zirkel
Yesterday, being the holiday of Thanksgiving that it was obviously gives everyone the opportunity to reflect on those things which they might be thankful for. I think that most people express their thankfulness for a great many things, mostly the obvious things in my experience. And those things are definitely worthy of being thankful for.
All that being said this year I've had pause to actually put a bit more thought into the things I'm thankful for. A week before Thanksgiving a good friend of mine met with a tragic end leaving his wife and three children. I feel so deeply for their loss.
The loss of my friend has brought to the forefront of my own mind, during this Thanksgiving holiday, the things which I am thankful for. It may be obvious to state, but one thing I am thankful for is good friends who have always been shining examples to me. My friends exemplify those things which I most want to be. Good fathers, good men, good caring contributors to society. I wish I could be even a shadow of what my friends are.
I am grateful for my wife whom I love with all my heart and who makes me a better man. She supports me in all I do and has been my absolutely devoted companion now for 17 wonderful years.
I am grateful for my children. I have a lovely daughter who is fast becoming a young woman. She is so fun to be around and is at the wonderful awkward teen stage where she's just a nerd but she thinks she is so cool. Seriously, she's a nerd but she is so dear to me and I love her so very much.
I also have a rambunctious, fireball of a son. Nearly 8 years old he is full of energy and is an absolute joy, when he is not being a terror. He is becoming more able to sit and focus long enough to watch football and basketball with me. He is still more excited about the prospect of playing the games though and is often driven to jump up and forget the game to go get a ball.
I am grateful for a mother and sister, both of whom have always been there for me in so many ways. My mom has always been there for me with wisdom and sage advice. My sister, who used to beat me up when we were younger yet would come to my defense from anyone else, has now become a treasure in my life and I enjoy every minute I get to spend with her. Unfortunately nearly a thousand miles stand between us and spending time doesn't happen near as often as I wish it could.
There are a great many more things I am grateful for than these, and none of them have I forgotten, but were I to fill this entry with every single item for which I am grateful the library of congress would not suffice to store the contents. I am truly a blessed individual and feel undeserving of the richness with which my life is filled.