A question that I was asked by my two girls this week. I thought long and hard on how to respond to this question. I think that it is important that the girls know the "history" behind Thanksgiving; with the pilgrims and the Native Americans, but they learn that in school. In 2008, it's not so much about pilgrims and Native Americans anymore, but more about the meaning behind Thanksgiving. Then I started to think a bit more about the meaning of Thanksgiving and how it's different among different families. For example, I sure many families in Cedar Rapids are thankful for a place to call home after the flood this summer. With this being said, I thought that I would talk about what Thanksgiving means to me and what makes me thankful.
I am thankful for the opportunity to spend this holiday with my friends and family. Living so close to my family can be trying at times, but is a blessing most of the times. It's comforting to know that I have such a loving and supportive family so close to help out in my times of need. I'm not sure what I would do without them being so close by, bailing me out of so tight situations and tough times.
I am thankful that Micheala is in good health. There was a time this summer in which Heather and I were not sure what was going to happen to her and we were scared. We cried many nights and prayed very hard. We were all pushed into her health situation with no real warning and had to fight through her surgery and recovery with positive thoughts. We found out that Micheala is a lot tougher than we gave her credit for and she recovered with flying colors. I remember the morning of her surgery and how on the trip down to the hospital I was hoping for a blow out or car trouble so I could have an excuse to not put her under the knife. I learned a lot that week about trusting the professionals and dealing with adversity that I had no control over.
I am thankful for the opportunity to watch Dylanne grow into a fine young lady. Her progression n school has knocked me off my feet. She is getting involved in many other activities and is really growing socially. She is so proud every night when she comes home from school and spells a new word for me or does math problems.
I am thankful for my beautiful and strong wife, Heather. Although she is frisky at times, she is my rock. As I watch and support her as she battles her health issues, I am amazed at the amount of strength and determination that she to overcome some of her current hurdles. I am thankful for the way that she continues to love me everyday, no matter what. Her ability to show me unconditional love, even after I make mistakes, just blows my mind and confirms the fact that I am married to the perfect woman.
I am thankful that I get to welcome my nephew to the world next year. Watching my sister go through her pregnancy is quite amazing. She seems to have a "glow" about her and it is really special to see. having her and her family in Urbana is great, as we get to see them more often and just hang out.
I am thankful for my parents and the "fun" we've had over the last 3 months, going to the Hawkeye games. I've always wanted to go to Hawkeye games with mom and dad, and was finally able to do that this year. I know that growing up the last thing you wanted to do is hang out with your parents, but now, I love every minute of it.
Finally, I am thankful for all of our friends. We have made some of the greatest friends over the past few years. Jason and Erica have been great friends. Hanging out in the yard in the summer, ice fishing in the winter, football games and the way they treat our girls like their own is what makes them so special. John and Denise have also come into our lives as special friends. We find that doing the simple things with their family is the most fun. We have many more friends that have been great throughout the years, and for that I am thankful as well.
So Thanksgiving is about being thankful for the things in your life. The good times, the bad times and the times that you'll never forget. The friends, family and the people that you meet through passing. We take this day to be thankful for the people we share on lives with on this earth and in heaven.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
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