Thankful for all the good things and for thriving despite some bad things.
Family. My parents are still around, though age is taking its toll. My marriage has never been stronger. My kids are well. My sister and I have a better relationship. I don't have to interact with my brother since he won't meet the conditions to renew an arm's length relationship and I am thousands of miles away.
Friends. I have a number on several levels. My best friend and his wife are finally having a baby.
Job. In many ways, the best I've had, though not without issues. Still, what seems like a stable job. Certainly the best paying I've had and with room to grow on a number of fronts..
Health. Gallbladder surgery (lap turned to open) was rough, but I feel better than I have in some time (perhaps because that sucker had to be percolating for quite some time to be in the shape it was in when it came out).
Personal growth. It's slow and arduous, but I am taking it at my own pace and I am so far happy with the results overall.
Good food. The wife spent a good part of the day preparing food for tomorrow (I helped a little(. She couldn't cook worth a lick when we first got married, but she has turned into a pretty good cook day to day, but on holidays - man, oh, man! Chicken and dressin', homemade macaroni and cheese (with bits of bacon), cornbread, cake, and all the rest! I just wish we could share it with family this year.
My mother and I actually agree more politically than at any point in the last 20+ years. She's less polarized and so am I. When we disagree we've been able to talk it out.
We recently found a house to buy in a very tough market (by tough, I mean few good houses available). It's in our price range and we are in a position to buy.
Quite honestly, life has never been better. We miss home but even being away has its good points. We've gotten to see areas of the country we'd never seen before. We've grown closer. We've survived and thrived. I've made my mom and dad proud (they tell me). Life is good and I am thankful.
