To Be Thankful

This past weekend was Thanksgiving so I will take some time to reflect and show thanks. Even if the holiday is based around the whole Native American and Pilgrim relationship that did not end so well, at least for them. I digress.
Things I am Thankful for:
Family:
About two years ago this time Heather and I experienced a terrible loss when she had to deliver a child at 20 weeks. It has taken this long for us to be able to reflect and not feel just horrible about it. Long story short is do not get pushed around by doctors. Stay informed and educated. If something feels wrong, it probably is. This was an unfortunate loss that could have been avoided. But now two years later we, really she is pregnant with a little boy and he is expected in March of ’09. Either his first or middle name will be Zachary which means “God Remembers”. It fits.
My wife. Although you drive me crazy most of the time. :) This colorful life would turn grey and unbearable without you in it. Thank you for keeping me grounded.
Our two children are fantastic. They are full of life and joy to be around. My son has a warrior mentality that makes me proud. It also creates difficult situations some times, so focusing this intensity is one of my main objectives. My Daughter is bright, beautiful, and growing up way too fast. She is going to be a lot like her mother. Watch out!
I could not be more proud.
My brother David is home from Korea. He spent the last 5 years in the Army stationed in Korea. He came back with a wife and a daughter, so the family grew a little. It is good to have you back.
To all of my family that has been supportive when necessary, and provided tough love when required. Thank you.

Health:
It seems now more than ever that people are dying of Cancer. This is probably one of the scariest health problems today. When I think of things like the # of people I know that die from car accidents, shark attacks (none yet), and a number of other things, they don’t seem to add up to the # I know that die from cancer or who have had it. Just this year my Sister’s father-in-law was diagnosed with brain cancer and died within 3 months. The same thing happened to a co-worker the previous year. Maybe these deaths just stick out more than others, but none-the-less they are horrible. So this year I am thankful that my family is healthy, we have been spared so far.
Cycling is my therapy, my church, my passion. I am thankful this year for my many rides in many wonderful places. May next year be as fruitful. (With Zachary on the way it may be tough)

Work:
It seems strange to be thankful for work. It would be a lot nicer to be thankful for winning the lottery, but I hear you actually have to buy a ticket to win. With the government spending my grandchildren’s money to bail out the rich, unemployment on the rise, a few trillion dollar deficient, and home/stock prices falling… I am thankful to be employed.

Being an American:
Even if my political views differ slightly/not so slightly from our President Elect. I believe good things happen in America and will continue to. The only other option I could come up with is Australia, and they have socialized health care. So that is not an option. Plus shark attacks goes up in health concerns.
I am thankful to be experiencing this historical time and I pray things go well.


Disclaimer: Since this is more or less just a place to post thoughts and events for my benefit, I need not make the following statement. But since I know someone out there reads this, I will.
Sorry for the sappiness of this post. Just happens to be what is going on upstairs today. I promise future posts to be manlier. They will have more pictures, stories of struggles and success, and maybe even some action videos.