Today is the day we set aside to give thanks for all the blessings in our lives, large or small. Here are the things for which I am thankful.

My parents – They have shaped and guided my life through their teachings and their experiences. The man I am today is because of them. I can not thank them enough, but by eventually passing along their lessons to my future children.

My siblings – A brother, half-brother, step-brother, and sister have all enriched my life through their friendship and unconditional love and support. I an hopeful my children will share their

My extended family – I am thankful to have large and close extended families on both sides, and while I do not see them often enough, they are in my thoughts and prayers.

My friends – I am thankful to call so many people friend. I am thankful for your friendship and companionship.

My place in this world – My journey through life has taken different turns and twists, and more changes lie ahead. I am thankful for the experiences that have brought me to where I am, and would not change anything – even the mistakes I made, for without those mistakes I would not have learned important lessons.

Living in the United States – We live in the greatest country on earth, and our veterans sacrificed to make it that way. To them, I am thankful for my freedom.

I wish all my readers the happiest of Thanksgiving holidays.

Finally, I would close with this prayer sent to me earlier this week by my Grandmother
There is a little prayer called the “Thanksgiving Prayer”:
Oh God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry. When I have work, help me to remember the jobless: When I have a warm home help me to remember the homeless. When I am without pain help me to remember those who suffer. May we all give thanks for what we have.