Thanksgiving 2012

As I reflect on my life this Thanksgiving Day 2012, I thank God for:

1. My Health (I am SO blessed to have good health and no serious health issues! Being pain-free and having my physical abilities allow me to fully enjoy countless activities that enrich my life. It allows me to savor the beauty and ecstasy of the human experience!)

2. My Family (Brooke Wade, Amy, Jana, Emily, & Josie; Brent) (They give my life meaning.)

3. Having Fran in my Life (To love and be loved is everything! I thank God for blessing me with Fran. I cherish our relationship as we share our lives and love for each other!)

4. My Relatives (I cherish the love and acceptance of the “clan” – as Uncle Ben used to call it.)

5. My Friends, and Good Acquaintances (They say that friends are the family that you choose. I have a few close friends, whom I cherish, and many very good acquaintances! Sharing life with them is what makes living enjoyable.)

6. My Faith (My relationship with God is very personal. I hope to never feel so self-confident that I don’t need His love and guidance. I pray that He holds me close.)

7. Maddie (My cat offers me companionship and warmth when I am home.)

8. My Jobs (Dallastown golf coaching where I enjoy working with fine young men and other coaches which also gives me the opportunity to stop in the high school and visit with former colleagues & York County voting registration) These help to give me a sense of accomplishment and purpose, some structure, and the opportunity to socialize and work with some fine people. They also allow me to savor relationships with various colleagues.)

9. My Houses (Chesley & Fiesta) (These properties not only offer me some security, but they allow me to exercise some of my talents and abilities.)

10. Living in the United States (Although there are many problems in our country, I am so blessed to have been born here and to live in the best country on earth. It is indeed the land of freedom and opportunity. I feel a sense of obligation and duty to try to keep the leaders from destroying what is good in this country.)

11. My Savings and Retirement (Financial Security) (The comfort and security of my secure retirement pension after 35 years of teaching allows me to fully enjoy these years. I am blessed not having to worry about money – through my pension, my savings, & my lifestyle.)

12. My Talents and Abilities (I sometimes take for granted what I have accomplished [professionally, athletically, & mechanically] and what I can do. I get a sense of satisfaction and pleasure from using my skills for myself and to help others – especially my friends and good acquaintances.)

13. My Intelligence, Common Sense, & Education (I’ve been blessed with some innate intelligence and quality education from York Suburban School District, Millersville State College, and Johns Hopkins University.)

14. My Memories (Memories of all the wonderful past occurrences, my achievements, recognition I have received, my loved ones and others that my life has touched [those still alive as well as those who have passed], and the wonderful blessings God has given me – make my life what it is. How tragic to lose one’s memories – all of one’s previous lifetime – I believe is a fate worse than death!)