Thankful

I wrote this up last week, but blogger decided to do maintenance at the same time I tried to post, so here goes.

I'm thankful for:

God: for granting me my life, for showing me love, even when I've been less than respectful.

My parents, for raising me to be kind, just, forgiving, tolerant, soft hearted, strong-willed, patient. For always giving me what I needed, even if it wasn't necessarily what I wanted. For putting up with me, and nurturing me at the same time. For never letting me get away with less than what was expected, and never expecting more than I could give. For being there when I need them, and backing off when I think I don't (even if it's just to figure out that I'm not ready to do things on my own sometimes - but never letting me fail). But most importantly, for Loving me unconditionaly, and for showing me what Love is.

Vanessa: for chosing me above all others, for being my anchor when I feel like drifting, for holding me up when the world is weighing me down, for letting me vent, even if she's had a worse day. For understanding I'm not ready for some things, but for prodding me to never stay stagnant in what I'm comfortable with. For helping me become a better man, friend, and lover. For keeping hope alive when the chips are down, for never staying mad after an argument, and for never going to bed angry. For always waking up with a smile, and ensuring my day starts on a high note. For letting me be a kid, but also letting me be "the man." For giving me a reason to be happy for no reason. for Loving me to her full potential, and for letting me share the rest of my life with the one person who completes me.

Jason B: for taking me under his wing, and teaching me how to be "cool" in high school. For sharing a bond close enough to be brotherhood at a time when I needed a friend close to my age. For always inviting me to be part of the crowd, even if I was the nerd in the group. For helping take care of me right before I joined the military. And, for being the Bevis to my Butthead.

Ray-Bear: for showing me the colorful side of life, and giving me a song in my heart (usually from a musical). For always having a smile and a hug waiting for me, and for making it seem like it hasn't been years since we last saw each other. For Dunkin Donuts! For keeping in touch for all these years and countries. For helping me understand that life IS just a chair of bowlies, and "you may know what you need, but to get what you want, better see that you keep what you have."

Tom K: for being a truly great friend, and fellow pirate. For playing darts with a stranger, that became a brother. For helping me realize how good life can be if you let it. For being there when I couldn't be, and for being with me when possible. For shabu-shabu (odd as it was). For going toy shopping with me, and for being there with and for me when I took my relationship with Vanessa to the next level. Also, thank you (in advance) for being there when we join together forever.

Rui: for being not just a coworker, but a friend, and surrogate uncle. For teaching me about my job through personal experience, the way books and classes could never match. For never caring how long it took me to get the job done, as long as it was done right. For an appreciation for life, and good wine. For taking me in when I was alone, and for treating me like an equal despite my age or experience.

Amy K: for making "just a job" fun and interesting enough to become a career. For giving me legs to stand on, when others would have knocked them out from under me. For inviting me into the circle, rather than treating me like a rank. For the Bull Moose Club. For opening your doors to me when my four walls started closing in. And, for empowering me to tell a General, "I don't work for you!"

The TNMC (especialy Leah & Phil) and the RHPS crew: for bringing me out of my shell. For showing me a world of possibilities, if I just break down my barriers of shyness. For letting me explore theater, and comedy without fear. For building my self confidence like only running around in my underwear in front of a thousand people can. For the lifetime friends I made, for the relationships that built upon nothing more than a shared interest.

The Horsemen (Jasoon M, Martin H, Matt L.): for taking me in when i had nowhere else to go. For being my core in a time of dire need. For backing me up when times got rough, and for opening your doors and hearts to a complete stranger. See you in July!

My other close friends: for adding to the eccentrieicty that is my life, by adding their unique flavor to the stew of my life. For encouraging me to try new things, and not expecting much.

AND FINALLY...

To those people that hurt me, put me down, degraded me, made me feel less than normal: for helping make me stronger. For getting me where I am today, because had life gone perfectly, I'm not sure where or who I'd be right now.


THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!
Happy Thanksgiving!



ULI