A Lot to BeThankful for.
I have to say that it is easy for a man to go through his life without ever taking measure. But it is truly a shame to do so. Without ever doing so, one can take a great deal for granted.
As I sit here at my grandparents house, I see that I have a lot to be thankful for. First of all, I have some of the kindest grandparents in the world. They have played a major part in the man that I am. There generosity, kindness, and thoughtfulness have been a steady guide in a life that, at times, has known great turbulence. Granny and Pa, I love you.
As I think about my grandparents, I must also think of the beautiful daughter they raised, my mom. Mom is singularly the strongest person I know. Mom has bore a burden for her children that no woman should ever have to bear. I can’t go into details, but my mom has been a rock- sound, unmoving, and timeless. Mom, I love you.
Mom is responsible for not only me, but my sister as well. Not only was she my rock, she was hers. Growing up, we fought like most brothers and sisters. But as we have grown older, I have realized that I would not have a life without my little sister. Amanda, is my buddy. She understands me like only a sister can. To her, I can bear my soul. She is a mother of two beautiful children, wife to a great guy, and I’m proud of the family she has helped build with Gary. Sis, I love you.
Like I said, Amanda is married to a great guy- Gary. He is the polar opposite to the rest of our family. We are a group of “high-strung” people, and he is laid-back, and easy going. He balances Sister out like no one else can. He’s smart and gentle, a real asset to our family. Gary, you are not only my brother-in-law, you are a friend, and I love you.
Speaking of husbands, my mom’s husband, my step dad Marvin is a man’s man. When he met my mom all those years ago, our family was a mess. We had just come through a devastating few years (no family should suffer like ours did). I mention this only because it is an important part of Marvin’s story with our family. My mom was in pain and he healed her. Not only did he heal her,but he aided my sister and I as well. Through Marvin, I learned that it takes more than biology to be a father. Marvin is the head of our house, and I give him all the respect of a father. Marvin, I can only hope to be half the man you are, and I love you.
Amanda and Gary have two gorgeous children, Malachi and Madison. They are good kids, and I think their mom and dad are doing a wonderful job raising them. They are smart and loving. When I get hugs and kisses from those little darlings, my heart melts. They are a blessing not just to me, but to the whole family. Uncle loves you two.;)
I have an old friend, my longest-running friend, Noah, who has been a positive influence on my life for about twenty-four years now. Noah is a gentle giant. He’s a big man with a big heart to match. I don’t get to see you enough old friend, but you are a part of who I am, and I know that if I never saw you, I would still have a true and loyal friend. Just call, and I’ll be there whenever you need.
And, finally, let me mention my dear friend, my dearest friend, Noo-Dang. She has made the most profound change in my life that I have ever experienced. Through her, I’ve learned so much more than I ever thought I could. None of you know her yet, but you will some day. Someday, when you meet her, you will know what it means to be beautiful, kind, generous, intelligent, gracious, humorous, adventurous, and just all-around cool. I promise, you will be stunned as I am stunned. You will be moved, amazed, and, in the end, thankful to have met her. She will make you want to be a better person and live a better life, as she has me. To you, my dearest friend, my feelings are for you and you only.
As you can see, I am a fortunate man, and I should take measure daily so that I never forget that. Maybe, you should to.
