Thought for The Day - Grateful

The list of blessings for which I'm grateful is ENDLESS!!! So many things, so many people and so many immaterial things to be thankful for!

I am grateful for family and friends who can't fix everything in my life; indeed they don't try. But every now and then, they put themselves in a position to offer a shoulder, an ear and to remind me how valuable life is. One of the great things that happen over the summer is my oldest son saw my excitement over his single fish and his small aquarium. He wasn't able to buy fish and an aquarium for me, but he convinced my wife that it would make a great birthday gift. Long story short, they put their heads together, researched, shopped and bought a large aquarium for me! It's beautiful! And yes, it's been a journey with many fish bought, lost and ups and downs, but it's been a great year for that!

Yesterday, my wife surprised me with another gift: a 127 pound gift: my oldest child, my miracle baby came home for the holiday! Living in New York, studying for a master's degree, things are tight. So I didn't expect to see her until Christmas. But they managed to put together the money and to keep it a secret until yesterday; my wife said she was running a quick errand for her mother and would be back. When she returned, I opened the door for her, and there stood my daughter!

Again I could go on and on, but I am so grateful for all! I'm especially grateful for friends whose lives grow and blossom. I'm grateful for people I stay in contact with and friends I haven't seen in years, coming back around.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Thought for The Day - Thank You!

I've said it before and it bears repeating: each day I think of you! And while many people I don't know personally, you are in my thoughts as I sit to write. Some comment, some simply "like" the post on Facebook or "Favorite" it on Twitter, but it's all appreciated. Others never comment, "like" or "favorite," but they stop by and read; I would like to think it's done because something is written that makes you think or feels good "to the bone!"

It's great to have people who "stop by." Real life isn't quite that way; there are times where my wife  and I recall when friends and a cousin would simply "pop-in." Often, it was inconvenient and unexpected, but given my wife's nature for entertaining, it was quite ok. Our Saturday routine would come to an abrupt halt, laundry in mid-stream and errands incomplete, we would hit the malls, go "house shopping," or ride out to one of the friends' house. But those friends have moved on with their life and the cousins reside in another state. But the great thing about your stopping by: I don't have to be "here;" you can stop in, read, comment or not and be on your way.

This note is written to simply acknowledge you. I write this "thought" because it and "you" are in my heart and I hope it inspires and cause you to reflect. Thanks again!