Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving 2010 - how did it get here so fast? Weren't we just putting away the Christmas decorations? Wasn't it just summer? In the blink of an eye it arrived. Before falling fully into the Christmas frenzy once again and coming up with those New Year resolutions, it's time to look back, to remember, and to give thanks.

I am thankful for the food I will have on my table today, a warm, dry, safe home, the love of friends and family even though they are far away this holiday. I am thankful for being able to go off and explore this year, in Harper's Ferry, in Acadia, in St. Augustine and appreciate the beauty of nature. I am thankful for a hockey year that was capped off by a Stanley Cup; though winning isn't everything, after so many years of living that line, it's nice to experience the joy of victory. I am thankful to have met several friends this year in person, at a Valenpug party, at a CrystalCon in Pittsburgh, at a date-night dinner in Florida; each new friend touches me, making me a better person, taking a little of me and leaving a little of themselves. I am thankful for the time I had with Rainy and the lessons learned; she will be in my heart forever and because of her one day I will have a forever pup. I am thankful for memories of those no longer here; their spirit lives in memories and carries on in the little things I do each day that I learned from them. I am thankful for the plans we are making for two family trips next year; travel not only provides interesting things to do and learn about different places, it provides life-long memories and quality time with family. I am thankful for the struggles, some big, some small, throughout this year; they have strengthened me and given me a focus on what is really important. And I am thankful to everyone reading this, for letting me express myself, for welcoming me into your world.

Happy Thanksgiving!