Hey, Thanks.
Good day, my friends. Well, here we are yet again, on the eve of the official most thankful day of the year (In the United States and Brazil, at least. I didn’t forget you, Canada, but you had your day of thanks in October, so you win!). I’ve often felt expressing our thanks should be a year-long practice, rather than being confined to the fourth Thursday of November each year. It’s the same with showing love every day, versus only on February fourteenth, yet I digress.
This is my inaugural Thanksgiving blog, and as such, it’s my writerly duty to share some wonderfully witty words, all wrapped around a big ol’ forkful of thankfulness. For me, the day has never been about pilgrims, native Americans, or even turkey―though I do love a good slice of pumpkin pie, topped with homemade whipped cream. No, tomorrow should be a day where we give ourselves permission to press the pause button and take a moment to reflect on the broken road that’s led us to where we are, and to recognize everything we should be grateful for in our lives.
Without further ado, here is a partial list of my thankful things.
First up: Thank you, Mom.
Your patience, kindness, and constant loving support have allowed me the freedom to discover this world in my own way, while knowing your umbrella is always open to shelter me from life’s many storms. Much to the chagrin of those who have read my writing, you also introduced me to so many new worlds through the love of reading books, which planted the seeds of my writing ambition from an early age.
My five siblings.
Thank you so much for helping to shape my sense of humor and humility. Whether it was grammar and pronunciation lessons, learning about alternative perspectives, staying up late on New Year’s Eve to enjoy Three Stooges marathons, or understanding how to tell inappropriate jokes with a straight face, you have provided me with bountiful inspiration and some interesting character studies!
Dad.
There were many positive lessons you taught me, like working hard, learning from others’ mistakes, returning things where I found them, and even opening the car door for my wife. It was your less-desirable traits that transformed me in the most meaningful ways, however. I will not go into detail here, since it’s enough to know those traits were a major force in shaping me into the man I am today. I guess I have learned from others’ mistakes, so thank you.
My critics
This is not as negative as it might seem. I have received oodles of constructive criticism through the years, and I have done my best to make appropriate changes along the way. The one change I need to continue to strive for is not being my own worst critic, but I’ll get there.
Stephen King
It would be a dream if he subscribed to my weekly blog, but suffice to say, he is a huge influence on my writing, and is the main reason I began to think seriously about writing as a career over thirty years ago.
Swenson Granite
I called this workplace home for over twenty-nine years, and while the Swenson family provided me a great career and financial stability, it was my boss, Scott Herrick, who taught me countless lessons and helped transform me from an immature twenty-eight-year-old into someone who was able to view challenges in new ways and to formulate solutions that also helped me in my life outside work. I would not have achieved the heights I attained without his tutelage.
Doctor Mitchell and the Payson Center
These folks saved my life and helped me through the frightening reality of cancer over the past decade. Doc Mitchell continues to be an honest and skilled part of my medical care, while the folks at the Payson Center kept me positive during an intensive round of treatments.
My non-blood family
You know who you are. As the great line in that Garth Brooks song goes: Blood is thicker than water, but love is thicker than blood. You have shown me such love and respect, while challenging me to see other points of view. We have shared many meaningful moments, and have more planned soon. You have welcomed me into your family, and have become a huge part of mine. Cheers to our amazing friendship and love!
Stepchildren/grandchildren/nieces/nephews
You have all taught me patience, understanding, and lots of new ways to look at this world. Your youthful ambitions and creativity keep me young. Thank you for your love, energy, enthusiasm, and empathy. I hope I’ve been a good influence in your lives as well, since I’ve certainly tried. Oh, and sorry about all the “dad” jokes, but it kind of comes with the territory, you know? 😊
My Jeannie-Girl
Saving the best for last, of course! It is difficult for me to remember a life before you, my love. It’s equally difficult to imagine a life without you by my side. You have taught me so much about life, love, compassion, perspective, and perseverance. Our first date (which wasn’t even supposed to be a date) felt like I was coming home, and you’ve been my home for over twenty-nine years now! You have always given me the freedom to be me, and have encouraged me like no other. Thank you for believing in me when it’s been so difficult for me to believe in myself. You are my heartbeat, my confidant, my best friend, my GUS ♥
Okay, before I get more teary-eyed, I’ll end this week’s post by also thanking you, dear readers. I appreciate your support and comments these past ten months. I hope I have provided you with meaningful content and helped you to see things through a different lens. If so, why not invite your friends and family to sign up as well? I’d sure be thankful.
Until next week, whatever you are, thank you for being a good one!
-Dave
