Giving Thanks

grat·i·tude [grat-i-tood, -tyood] (noun) - the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.

“When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them.” (Chinese proverb)

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It’s amazing to think that in a little over a month, we will be entering the year 2011. This means, of course, that we are almost two years to doomsday, according to the Mayan calendar.

Since it’s been a while since I’ve written to this blog, then I’m going to use the opportunity I have now to get some thoughts down. And since Thanksgiving is here, instead of the usual commentary on the lack of common sense in the world, I’m going to use this time to give thanks. So let’s begin.

First of all, I have to thank God. I could go into thousands of details in which He has been there for me this year, but I won’t. Suffice it to say, if it weren’t for him stepping in and handling things for me, I wouldn’t be here writing this now. Believe what you want. I do.

Next, but certainly not the least, I’d like to thank my wife of fifteen years for putting up with me for all this time. She has taken on many different roles in that time -- spouse, friend, shrink, cheerleader, counselor, masseuse and coach to name a few -- and she did them with relish, without complaining (most of the time) and with just enough tact to get her point across without making me feel like crap (at least not for too long). A lot of what I’ve done in life could not have been accomplished without her.

Next, I’d like to thank my son and daughter. They make me feel like a superhero. In their eyes, I can accomplish anything. Because of them, I try to.

Friends and family are the next people I’d love to say thanks to. No one can do anything alone, and without support one can find themselves feeling lost and alone. So it goes without saying that those of you who are on this list know who you are, why you are my friend, and that if you need anything from me, just ask.

A couple of things I’m thankful for:

My job. Many people lately have lost theirs lately, and I’m thankful that I still have one to go to.

My intellect. A God-given talent, and one that I exercise as much as possible. Waste not, want not.

My health. It’s not the greatest, but it is sure not the worst. I’m breathing. I can walk under my own power. I can see (yeah, it’s with glasses, but at least I have them). I can hear clearly. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that I’m still here, alive and kicking with steel-toe boots on.

Another year. I’m not old. I’m seasoned. With black pepper and paprika. And I can only get better.