Happy Givingthanks Day!

As we all prepare for the holiday in our own way, we look forward to gathering together with our families and eating, maybe watching a football game, or other family traditions we've practiced for as long as we can remember.

Yes, many activities are associated with this day except one: Giving thanks. Not in the religious sense, necessarily, just doing what the name implies - feeling grateful for what we have and expressing that sentiment to those we love. History tells us that Native Americans and the Pilgrims gathered together to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. I could be wrong, but I don't think too many of us have been harvesting, or maybe the term "harvest" can be extended to include what we've learned and gathered during the year. Even loss prompts memories of the times we've shared with those we miss, and how lucky we feel to have had that time with them.

I have a long list of people to thank this year, and I'd like to start with Gary and Mike. If it weren't for their support the reunion would never have happened.

I want to thank my friends for making the effort to be there. I haven't felt such a feeling of "belonging" in a very long time.

I want to thank my parents, for another year of their love and support.

I want to thank my wife, for putting up with me for another year.

I want to thank my daughter for my two beautiful grandchildren

I feel thankful for every day, knowing that there's no guarantee there will be another one.

I feel so lucky to have had such a great brother. Even though our time together was too short, at least we had that time.

I feel thankful for having a roof over my head, a warm place to sleep, and enough to eat.

I'm very thankful that by next Thanksgiving, George Bush will be on his way out, and, hopefully, our soldiers will be on their way home.

I could go on and on, but I think I've listed the major ones. It's kind of like Yom Kippur in reverse. On that day we ask for forgiveness for the sins we've committed over the year, even if we really didn't commit them (who would have the time, you'd have to be sinning 24/7 to cover them all). On this holiday we celebrate those special moments we've shared, both large and small, and will cherish for the rest of our lives.

And so, I want to to take the time this year to wish every one of you a very happy and healthy Givingthanks day! Here's to many more.