The List

About November 1st of each year, Susie has taped blank sheets of paper on a wall above the stairs. Each member of the family had their own sheet with plenty of space to list the things they were thankful for.  We were supposed to write one item each day.  Susie thought it would be a great way to reflect on what we were thankful for.

I HATED THAT LIST!

Why, only once a year, did we celebrate Thanksgiving and why did I have to list the things that I was thankful for on this silly list?  Didn't my actions demonstrate the things that I was thankful for?

 I wrote on the paper - but not every day!  Sometimes I would write a whole weeks worth at one time.  One year, I filled up the entire page on Thanksgiving Eve.  Perhaps it was my way of protesting.  I wrote the obvious things like:  Susie, the kids, the church, a job, home, peace & quiet, etc.  ( I even itemized the kids names, it filled up 6 lines instead of one.)

WHY DID I HATE THAT LIST?

This year, there is no list.  Five of the six kids are married and gone.  Amber is claiming to be an adult, but she lives here while on break from school.  Justin, Pam & family have moved out.  When Amber goes back to school in January, Susie and I will be on our own for the first time in 33 years.

WHERE'S THAT SILLY LIST WHEN YOU NEED IT?

• My Parents - they did their best with what they had to work with - Sorry about that mom & dad.
• My Wife's Parents & Grandparents - I never met Susie's mother, but I know she is a wonderful person.
• Six Fantastic children that have taught me what it means to be a dad.  Why don't children come with a parents manual?
• Two very special women that my sons married.
• Three exceptional men that married my daughters.
• Twelve grandchildren, unique in their own way and each bringing a special joy into my heart.

And last but definitely not least:

• A wonderful wife that truly believes "Always & Forever & No Matter What."  She has put up with a lot over the past 34 years and loves me in spite of my faults and has always been very supportive in everything I've done.

Thank you.  

You are what makes Thanksgiving special to me.

I love you