Happy Thanksgiving! Every year my list of what I’m grateful for gets longer and every year I become more thankful for the people who have come into my life over the prior12 months. Who are you thankful for?
I’m adding several new doctors to my list this year. First, the doctors who saved Tricia’s life earlier this year. I’m thankful for all their work. I hope you never have to go through an ordeal like this with someone you love. I almost lost Tricia earlier this year when a heart valve failure went undetected.
Second, my doctors who quickly diagnosed a rare blood disease, that could have killed me without a quick diagnosis and treatment. The past 16 weeks of treatments finished and will continue for the rest of my life. If you noticed I haven’t published as often this year, that’s why.
Thanks to Tricia’s sense of humor, I’ll hear a riff from Ironman by Black Sabbath playing in the background for the rest of my life! My office space is being invaded by The Mighty Avengers as I recovered weekly. My wife always took me for a Clark Kent , not Tony Stark. Life is good, God is great. I’m ever thankful for my relationship with the divine.
Third, the doctor of an old friend who had a near fatal seizure, the kind that doctors only practice in med school. There is much to be learned as many of us begin to move towards retirement or the next act in our lives.
I had a chance to see how things rollout when a loved one’s life in on the line. As a person who has spent way too much time in hospitals this year, several weeks, it is critical to be proactive in your healthcare choices. Letting things go can only end up badly.
I watched as younger caregivers had to make big decisions very quickly and did so correctly. Nice job, ladies. Not that you needed affirmation from me. I’m sure your father is very thankful for your efforts. You even got me texting, no small feat.
I’m thankful for the contractor who rebuilt my workshop and home after last year’s tornadoes. Challenging weather was just beginning as they worked to protect my home while family pitched in and took care of Tricia.
Who are you thankful for? An interesting question given its Thanksgiving week. Maya Angelo once said “We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends and living our lives. “ So how are you spending your time?
I’m going to be quick about this, so you can spend time with your friends and families this Thanksgiving holiday season. Here’s my list from last year.
I’m thankful for my family. They provide me support to take risks and keep on growing. I’ve spent more time on the road this year than I ever have in past years. My family provides me a foundation to safely work from. I’m thankful for them.
I’m thankful for my friends. I’m lucky enough to know many great people who I call friends. They provide me with a place where I can go and talk without having to watch what I say. We can debate both the big issues and the small things in the world. My friends make me a better man every day by challenging my assumptions on a regular basis. I’m thankful for the deep relationships and the silly things they do to make our lives together a joy.
I’m thankful for our readers who consistently share their lives with me. There would be no writing if I didn’t have you to challenge and support my efforts. We have had many leaders read and share my articles over the past year. Your support has allowed me to grow and be invited to meet many different people around the world. Thank you for the invitation into your lives every week.
I’m thankful for the people who serve our communities with their work. These people do the things that need to be done and then go the extra mile to make our lives safer and more comfortable. It’s not easy to spend your life serving others. It takes special men and women who are committed to make our world a better place. Every day these people get out of bed not knowing what the day or night will bring. What they do know is they will bring the best they can be every day. I’m thankful for all you do.
Finally, I’m thankful for the people who choose to make a difference in our world. They are the people who I leap out of bed for every day. They inspire me and remind me that all we do does matter. No matter how big or small the act, we all can make a difference in the world. Let’s begin our day giving thanks for the people who inspire us through their serving leadership.
I’m thankful to you who choose to make a difference in the world. As long as you keep inspiring me I’ll keep sharing your stories and be thankful that you are in my life.
Happy Thanksgiving. Have a great holiday with family and friends.