Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Thanksgiving

So one thing I'm terrible at is showing how thankful I am for the blessings in my life.  I am a moody man, frequently depressed and haunted by my demons.  But nobody has the blessings in their life like I do.   I bitch, I'm sure too much, about the problems and hurdles, but I don't make a big enough deal about the good points.  So, since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I thought I'd try to reconcile that.

First, I'm thankful for Erin.  We have been married almost 6(!) years now.  I can never stress enough what a positive influence and blessing on my life she is.  For those who know me well, you know that I have had some (plenty) of self inflicted obstacles in my journey to a productive adulthood.  I've been a liar, thief, substance abuser, and general cad.  Yet she was able to see through that to the man underneath.  She has been there with and for me, offering support when I needed it, and sympathy when I needed that.  She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and I'm constantly amazed and humbled by her.  She truly inspires me to be a better man, and she is my best friend.

Second, little Rivers.  3 years old right now, and a constant source of joy.  She is funny, smart, sweet, and so weird.  She loves Nirvana, Buddy Holly, and Doctor Who.  One of the best people to hang out with you will ever come across.  I don't want her to grow up, but I look forward to seeing the incredible woman I know she will grow into.

Third, the one on the way, Penny.  I look forward to meeting her.  Rivers has informed us that she will be calling her Rose, after the Doctor Who companion.  Awesome.  These two are going to be a handful.

Fourth, Dad, Mom, brothers and sisters.  Dad died this year, February 7th, 2013.  I miss him so much.  He was a truly great man, and I have genuine sympathy for those who never got a chance to meet him.  I am so happy for the chance Riv had to know him (she loves him so much), and I feel sad that Penny (or Rose) will never have a chance to see him.  Mom sells herself short in so many ways, but the truth is, none of us (me, brothers, sisters, grandkids) would be here or be who we are without her.  5 children who have matured and have great lives, 6 grandkids, 2 potential incoming sons-in-law.  Look at what you had a hand in forming, and feel proud.  We all love you Mom.  And my sibs.  Forrest is a veteran with a fun wife (and baby on the way), with one son right now who is a pretty cool little dude.  Crockett is a great provider for his family, his wife Rachel is funny and a fellow sci-fi nerd I can actually talk Doctor Who and Firefly with, and Annnie and Nolan are just plain nuts.  Stuart is a weirdo veterinarian who is dating(!) a nice boy, and I have no worries at all on her abilities to make the right decisions here.  Seguin earned her degree in baking (I have forgotten the actual name of the degree), and is engaged to a Portugeuse fella.  As soon as he figures out how to get over here, I believe the wedding will be shortly forthcoming.

Fifth, in-laws.  I have a great network here, especially father and mother in law, Gary and Penny.  Thanks for all the support you have given Erin and me over the years.

Sixth, everything else.  I have a good job.  I am a Texan.  I'm a proud member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of '00.  This should have gone higher in the post, but I'm not going back and editing it now, I am Catholic.  And this one drives everything else I do in life.  I owe Dad, Mom, Erin, and Rivers everything for facilitating and helping me grow and understand my faith.  Thank you, God, for the blessings you have seen fit to bestow on me, a sinner who deserves none of it.