My wife is amazing, brilliant, and gorgeous. I am thankful that she has been willing to be my partner. I'm also thankful that her efforts at becoming healthier have really paid off this year. Not only has it made me healthier (any lack thereof is my fault, not hers), but she has grown in confidence--her aura is practically glowing.
My children are continual blessings to me. I am thankful that Alex has made it through most of her medical schooling and passed the second of the major tests this year. While it's not in Alaska, I am thankful that Katrina and Peter (and the aforementioned Irene) have found a new home that they love. I am thankful that Trevor found a job and has been adapting well to it. I am thankful that Connor has found his programing hobby which fills him with such joy and is willing to be my exercise buddy to keep me from slipping. I am thankful that Rowen has been growing in confidence and independence, while still keeping his loving nature. I am thankful for Starbuck and River, my furry children, who continually bring joy and affection into every day.
I am also deeply thankful that my proposal managed to get URR approval, allowing me to move another step forward on my doctoral study. I've been working on this degree for years, but the end is starting to come in sight. I am thus also thankful for my committee and my expert panel who have helped to shape my study so it could meet approval on the first try.
I am thankful for my parents who are willing to listen to me nearly every day. I am thankful for all of my family and friends, even if this year has not been the best for getting together as we might have planned. I am thankful for the staff and students at my school as well as my wonderful (if a bit stressful) job.
I am thankful for the many blessings that God has given me and my family: our health, our home, our church, our community, our nation, and our world.
And I'm thankful for those of you who read this blog. I especially appreciate those of you who have told me that you enjoy reading my daily ramblings. We humans like to have people listen to us, so I am thankful that you "listen" to my wit and whimsy.