Monday, December 3, 2007

Thanksgiving

For years Thanksgiving has been a day of gluttony, football, and naps in my house. This year things were just a tad different. Yeah we ate well. But no overeating. I did take a little siesta after dinner...but just a little one. But, for the first time in years I was truly thankful.

For the last seven months my son has been in downtown Ramadi, Iraq. He is a Marine infantryman. The day before thanksgiving he landed back at 29 Palms, California...with all of his body parts intact. I am damn thankful.

This past summer a sudden medical emergency almost took my wife from me. I got to look across the dinner table and be incredibly thankful.

One of my best friends has been dragged through hell in recent weeks by his 18 year old daughter. I looked at my 15 year old and realized that the worst problems I have had is she forgets to do the dishes sometimes. She is 4.0 in school and a great kid. I am thankful.

I woke up and went for a run in the predawn cold on black Friday. As I ran through the inky darkness, the only sound was my footfalls and breathing. Then it came to me. This is what life is about. I spent a very special Thursday in November being thankful for things that I should be much more thankful for everyday.

So today when instead of being bummed that the pool was closed for emergency maintanance, I just went for a run instead...and ya know what? I'm damn thankful that I am able to do it.

4 comments:

S. Baboo said...

Nice reflection. Life is good! Hey, I was a Marine infantryman and was also stationed in 29 Palms. Glad your son came back intact!

Podium quest said...

I'm so glad you son made it back healthy. He is coming back a hero, please tell
him I'm gratefull of his service.

As far as your daughter goes she must have good parents. Good kids do not happen
by accadent.

I'm so glad to hear your wife is ok now.

Will I be seeing you @ Polar Bear tri?

DeputyDawg said...

No Polar Bear this year. First tri or du in the new year and I'll be there.

skoshi said...

Nice. I remember the day Mark came back in 2004. It's a long wait. I'm glad your son is home, and that you and the rest of your family have so much to be thankful for.