An Overdue Thanksgiving

 

       

       One thing I think we all have in common is that the last few years have robbed us of things we would have traditionally expected.  Birthdays, graduations, funerals, classes, ball games, and many other social interactions that we took as standards, unceremoniously disappeared from our lives.  People, events, and memories were lost to a virus that didn’t care.  Yet, periods of time such as this can also force you to reflect on all the things in your life that you did and do have, and often, wrongfully, also took for granted.  Cogs large and small that keep the machine that is your life chugging faithfully along, regardless of what may get in the way.

       I have really made an effort to be grateful for what I have, but I know there are many things in my life that are long overdue for the attention they deserve.  So, here is my modest attempt to remedy any slights.


I am eternally thankful for:


-the ability to see a sunset, hear a bird sing, smell a new Christmas tree, taste the cookies my daughter just baked, and feel the fur of my dogs when I pet them.


-the feeling of pride I get each day I walk into my classroom


-knowing where my next meal is coming from


-the wonder that is Ted Lasso


-times at Murrells Inlet with my family


-the lessons my parents gave me (forced on me at times) that kept me from being a self-centered ass


-third row for Def Leppard at the Worcester Centrum in 1988


-the trust of another


-chocolate-peanut butter ice cream


-meeting the perfect woman at age 18


-standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon


-growing up in the 80’s


-sibling love and rivalry


-Marvel, for getting it right


-the ability to walk relatively pain-free whenever I want to


-being born in one of the most progressive states in the freest country in history


-being called “Dad” by four of the best human beings I know


-Pizza


-experiencing the musical genius of Tom Petty, Glen Frey, and Eddie Van Halen before they left this earth


-swimming with the sharks in Bora Bora


-a deserved nap


-walking the same streets of Edinburgh as the grandfather I never met


-large screen TV’s with surround sound


-the Cosby Show.  I know we were all criminally fooled by Bill Cosby, but Heathcliff Huxtable gave me a good idea of the father I wanted to be


-the small but great group of people I have had the privilege to call friend


-walking into the Colosseum


-nieces and nephews


-midnight at Westfield State College, watching the full moon set while Dark Side of the Moon was playing


-the doubters for inspiring me


-the diversity of the birds at my feeders every day


-the health and safety of my family


-the first time I watched Van Halen walk onstage


-seeing, in person, Larry Bird drill a three at the buzzer to beat Clyde Drexler and the Trailblazers


-every teacher that ever said something positive to me, especially when I needed it most.  I remember every one of you to this day.


-every other past experience, big and small, that has helped make me what I am


-the promise of every future experience, big and small, that will hopefully continue to change me for the better


-all of you that took the time to read what I offered.  I honestly wish the best of Thanksgivings to you and your family.


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