Gratefulness
Like most of the US today, I find myself a bit introspective and paying attention to the things in my life for which I am Thankful. Somewhat surprisingly to me, being an introvert (albeit a cheerful and social one), those things are nearly universally People.
For my daughters, Rachel, Lauryn, Beth, and Emily. Every day they each fill me with pride and happiness; at who they are, the paths they've chosen chosen for their lives, the things they choose to do (and not do). Watching them grow and learn (and helping along the way where I can) brings me great pleasure and joy. Despite the rocky road my life has been at times, I would be a far far worse person without them here. I love you all very much.
For my family. My Mother has been a rock and an amazing example of how to raise children in sometimes the most difficult of circumstances, and have them become Good People. I owe my caring and kindness, and my self-confidence all to her. My brother and sisters (and their families) are a wonderful, diverse bunch, bound together by a constant and ready willingness to give support to whoever may need it, and by constant laughter. My Father, may he rest in peace, who (with my Mother) taught me to think and learn and make, and how to step outside myself and make someone else smile.
For my friends. Steve, Scot (who happily is also my brother), Rob, and Jason are the best of those, and each complements me and challenges me in different ways, and I could not have made it to this point in my life without them. They have stood by me through joy, and silliness, and pain, and kept me sane. And the larger "second circle" of friends I have gained over the years, who I am honored and blessed to know and share my life with. (Who would have thought so many of them could come from a nightclub where people dance to music most people have never heard, wear all black clothes, strange makeup, and weird hairstyles? Nonetheless, it is my Second Home, and where I have spent some of the happiest times in my life.)
For the love of my life, the best of my friends, my wife. My darling princess Kara, the best thing that has ever happened to me. There are not enough words to convey how thankful and happy I am to have found her, and to have her as my partner. The last three years have been the happiest of my life, and I am as much in love today as when we began (with no signs of that changing). She and I fit together with no seams, no strife, no compromising each other. She brought to me a home, a family as good as my own, and a love for my daughters, my family, and my friends that equals my own. Separate we were whole, together we are amazing. I love you very much, Kara.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
For my daughters, Rachel, Lauryn, Beth, and Emily. Every day they each fill me with pride and happiness; at who they are, the paths they've chosen chosen for their lives, the things they choose to do (and not do). Watching them grow and learn (and helping along the way where I can) brings me great pleasure and joy. Despite the rocky road my life has been at times, I would be a far far worse person without them here. I love you all very much.
For my family. My Mother has been a rock and an amazing example of how to raise children in sometimes the most difficult of circumstances, and have them become Good People. I owe my caring and kindness, and my self-confidence all to her. My brother and sisters (and their families) are a wonderful, diverse bunch, bound together by a constant and ready willingness to give support to whoever may need it, and by constant laughter. My Father, may he rest in peace, who (with my Mother) taught me to think and learn and make, and how to step outside myself and make someone else smile.
For my friends. Steve, Scot (who happily is also my brother), Rob, and Jason are the best of those, and each complements me and challenges me in different ways, and I could not have made it to this point in my life without them. They have stood by me through joy, and silliness, and pain, and kept me sane. And the larger "second circle" of friends I have gained over the years, who I am honored and blessed to know and share my life with. (Who would have thought so many of them could come from a nightclub where people dance to music most people have never heard, wear all black clothes, strange makeup, and weird hairstyles? Nonetheless, it is my Second Home, and where I have spent some of the happiest times in my life.)
For the love of my life, the best of my friends, my wife. My darling princess Kara, the best thing that has ever happened to me. There are not enough words to convey how thankful and happy I am to have found her, and to have her as my partner. The last three years have been the happiest of my life, and I am as much in love today as when we began (with no signs of that changing). She and I fit together with no seams, no strife, no compromising each other. She brought to me a home, a family as good as my own, and a love for my daughters, my family, and my friends that equals my own. Separate we were whole, together we are amazing. I love you very much, Kara.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!