What an incredible year. We actually survived the election, which seemed to go on forever. For half of us, our guy didn’t win, for the other half, our guy did. Both halves can be thankful that its over. I don’t know about you, but I’m going off my diet of political blogs and news. I’m thankful that there are other things to read. Finally.
We here at PT are thankful for our readers and customers. Marcy and her crew hit a milestone in sales it took 17 years to reach. I am thankful for a wonderful, professional staff that represents us to the world.
This has been a year of change for us, professionally and personally. Andy has moved to the San Francisco Bay area and a new profession in education, wife Robyn has changed jobs and returned permanently to Los Angeles, son JT was severely injured in a bicycle accident but is thankfully well on the mend, and we have dynamic new staff members in Carol and Eric. I am thankful for all the positives in my life.
As I reread the last paragraph I realized that I am thankful for being a glass half full kind of guy. Many of the changes that took place this year at home and at work could have been seen in a negative light. Son leaving town, son hurt, new employees with whom to deal, — changes, and as you know, human beings resist change.
I’m thankful that years ago a friend convinced me that all change is good. It offers opportunities that we didn’t have before. It can bring out the best in people, or allow us to see a side that has been hidden. It can be painful, as in the loss of a friend, but it also allows us to consider alternatives, remember the good times, and hold a special place in our hearts for those who are gone.
I’m thankful for the friends I have, and for the new ones made this year. True friends never leave, they just make room for more.
I’m thankful that due to scheduling and family pressures, I get to celebrate two Thanksgivings, one with my wife (can you say dinner and a movie) and one with the extended family. Wow, a Thanksgiving twofer.
I’m thankful for all the people that disagreed with me this year. They forced me to consider alternatives. Mostly I didn’t change my mind, but sometimes I did. Life would be so empty without them.
In past Thanksgiving messages I noted what people should do and how they should act. I have realized that frankly its none of my business how you are and certainly I cannot affect how you think or act. I can, however, adjust how I react to you. It took over half a century for me to figure that out, but I’m thankful I finally did. Life is wonderful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
JVH
