It's only appropriate with Thanksgiving being just a few days away that we should all pause, reflect and give thanks to the many blessings each of us have had bestowed upon us. I know, I do and will do so here.
First and foremost, I thank God for providing me with a wonderful soul mate and wife. J has seen me through the good times as well as the bad. She's one dynamite lady who I would have never dreamed as being a part of my life almost thirty-five years ago. When I left KC for college, I couldn’t run fast enough. Sure, high school was great but my home, well; let's not go there. I was just glad to be free of what I was leaving behind.
Secondly, I thank the good Lord and J for giving me one terrific son, A. He came into this world besieged with medical difficulties that were not made for the faint of heart. The doctors and other 'professionals' gave him up for dead. So much so that the hospital staff did their damnest to convince us to sign him over to the state.
Obviously, they didn't know us and we didn't take their instruction. Today, A is thirty-one years old, lives with two roommates in supported-care and is totally involved in his community. We can't keep up with the lad. How that makes me proud that this guy that the world was willing to write off, has battled back numerous times in his life, and has become stronger and more determined then ever to live and thrive in this world.
A is an avid KU Jayhawk fan...erstwhile, a sometimes KSU Wildcat fan and participates in many sports and activities. He's faithful to the Chiefs...unlike me his Dad who loathes them...and even follows the Royals. And there isn't a movie been made that he hasn't seen or purchased in the last 10,000 years. He has a never-ending spirit of love and goodwill towards everyone. As Christ is called charismatic, so is A. He draws people in and makes them accepting of all kinds of people...regardless of their personal situation. He's what I would call a man's man because of this.
Third, I thank all of you for being a part of my life. All of you have helped me form and become the person I am today. I am not without faults, but then again, who is? I wish all of you the joy and fellowship this Thanksgiving. Take it and make it last the whole year through. If you feel a bit pressed, take a minute and take stock of what you have, the freedoms you enjoy and the life before you. Then, pass it forward in some small way. You and the world will be better for it.
I've done enough sermonizing. I just thought it was important to let you all know what this and every Thanksgiving means to me. God's peace to all of you and yours. kG
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