Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2004 - 10:35 p.m.
If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.
-Native American Proverb (Minquass)
There is so much to be thankful for.
Me? I'm thankful to God for the friends that have stood by me this entire year, as well as those new friends I've made. There are those who shared the journey and wrapped their arms around me in heartfelt hugs and those who have sent me emails or called me at the *perfect* time. There are those who have left this life and I'm thankful for having known them and for the way they touched my life. There are those who have been an encouragement to me inspite of their own problems, immeasurably worse than mine. (Lee, my hockey comrade in arms, you've faced a stroke and other health issues-I'm thankful for your courage and witness, bro!)
I've seen an awful lot this year and been through tons. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have gone to Ukraine and seen my mom's family and village and to hear the aspirations of people who, even then, feared for a rigged election and wanted nothing more than democracy and a fair shot at self-governance.
In addition to all this, I'm thankful for my family who have also stood by me and my "careers" and they've never scoffed at my dreams and my desires to follow my heart. I could name you all but you know who you are, and some of you aren't even blood.
It's so easy for us to get caught up in our hectic day to day lives. This day of Thanksgiving gives us a chance to step back, take a breath and be present to our families, to love, to time, to life. It is a time to reflect, to take stock, and to be thankful for the bounties we have.
I wish you all an abundant, peace and joy filled Thanksgiving Feastday!
Love you all,
Michael
