Curiously thankful

I’ll be the first to tell you, I’ve not been the biggest fan of 2006. In fact, it’s pretty much sucked. A good friend died, my grandpa died, other friends suffered some really bad stuff, and I recently learned another good friend is about to move away. My professional life has been on a bungee and I’ve wound my way through stupid medical problems (and hence, bills).

Even getting to the Thanksgiving celebration was no reason to give thanks (other than surviving through it). A 7.5 hour drive turned into 10.5 hour drive thanks to some traffic issues that screwed my plans to make it through Atlanta before the afternoon rush.

Atlanta at 4pm on Thanksgiving Eve

And yet, on this morning (a morning on which I’m sitting at my in-laws, no less), I’m pretty damned thankful. My kid is gorgeous and smart. My wife is gorgeous and smart. My dog is still kicking. I’m still earning. All the medical bills are paid. I should see my brother again within the next month and he should get to see my kid. My mom and dad are healthy. And everyone seems basically happy.

That’s all I really need. As long as I’m allowed to be thankful that 2006 is almost over, I can round out everything I’m feeling today.

Watching the Thanksgiving Day parade

Labels: Family, Travel