Giving Thanks

I love Thanksgiving. It’s non-denominational, hell I think they even let atheists in for the party. There are no extraordinary feats required, no navigation of a mall parking lot, no stressing about just the right gift, no enforced gaiety a la Christmas (it’s even expected that we’ll get cranky with the relatives); it’s just football, friends, family and food.

Oh, and saying thank you. It’s been a tough year for a lot of people, but to quote my nearly-ex whenever someone asks him how he’s doing, always responds with the same answer – “could be worse.” So, in that spirit, here’s a few items on my “things I’m thankful for” list:

• That I am still here, when by all rights I shouldn’t be. I may not be able to convince my landlord to be patient with me too much longer, but for today, I’m still here.
• That I have seen the true measure of my friends.
• I don’t have to eat anything made of tofu pretending to be something else.
• That for the first time I am doing what I am meant to do. I may not be doing it all perfectly, but I’m doing it.
• That this past year has imbued me with the knowledge that I need a lot less than I thought I did.
• For Astro and Bruno who wake me up every morning. For Kittie and Spike who added immeasurably to my life and who, I’m sure, encourage Astro and Bruno to wake me up every morning.
• For Grace that is given freely to us, no strings attached.
• For neighbors, friends, family, community.
• For the blessing of helping and being helped.
• That I am a writer. I love being a writer, I love the act of writing, even when it’s hard I love it. Maybe especially when it’s hard.
• For stories.

Now, how about you? I hope you’ll add to the list.

And since you’re reading this post, I am very thankful for you!