Thanksgiving

Despite my tone this week, I have a lot to be thankful for:

- A loving family, a wife who tolerates my insanity & two wonderful children who all odds said never would even be born.

- A career I love, one that is relatively free from the risk of downsizing, and that lets me do neat things and get paid for.

- A home, vehicles for the family, clothes, food in the kitchen when I want it, luxuries like computers & books and such which I am able to use for education, relaxation or to share a smile. All of which is free from the threat of government or ruffian seizure at the slightest whim, variables of the seasons or environment, and far more than the majority of people throughout history and even today have been blessed with.

- The pride and memories of fourteen years of serving in the finest military the world has known, learning about myself, traveling the world, and doing things most people only get to dream of. The lessons and self-discipline from this time will forever benefit me.

- The privilege of living in a nation and society where I can speak freely, worship as I choose, defend myself and others, provide for my own happiness and welfare, and have the ability to influence the direction this country goes in. I've seen the alternative & while we are far from perfect we are gifted beyond measure.

So - my thanks to God and the world for these blessings. May your own days be equally gifted.