Fellas, this is one of my most important and favorite days. The older I get, the more I realize just how thankful I should be. Truthfully, I’m often times am overwhelmed with gratitude.
I have a desire to fill you in on some recent happenings in my life.
A few days ago, I lost a cousin (2 years older than me). She’d been struggling with her health for several years. She was one of the most gracious, sweet spirited souls in my life. I’ll miss her immensely.
My favorite uncle is a 97 year old warrior and war hero. He fought in the battle of the Bulge. He’s always held me in high esteem. He suffered a stroke a few days ago. He survived but I don’t know the full extent of his damage. He’s living in my mind as I’m writing this.
During the last 2 months of my Dads life, he lived with my sis and her husband. They live south of Springfield, Mo. Gary (my brother in law) cared for my Dad as if he was his own. He helped him with his bathroom needs and all the jobs that a weakened elderly man has. He did these things , full of grace and affection for my dad. I love Gary for the kind of man he is. Gary suffered a stroke a few days ago and a week before that, one of his daughters passed. He survived, but his life quality is up in the air.
My Sister’s first husband ( married right after HS) is a very gentle man. He just wasn’t a responsible or conscientious husband and father. So it didn’t work out but I’ve always cared for him. He is in the end stages of lung cancer.
It might seem strange and even inappropriate that I tell you of these family upheavals here, the day before Thanksgiving. But I have my reasons.
No one ever told any of us that life would be easy. We live in a world where bad/evil has equal footing with good and happiness. We live for the times on the mountaintops but we know full well that we will all spend times in the valley. I’m fully aware that several of you have also recently found yourselves dealing with sadness and loss.
I’ve worked hard, over the years, to use life’s time in the valleys to be like a tempering process for my manhood and the way that I deal with life’s responsibilities.
I consider it necessary to address life in this manner. My family and the people in my circle of influence, often times are in need of a person that can be there and upright for them in difficult times.
So over the next several days, I’ll be spending time with all my family. As we laugh and celebrate this wonderful day, I will covertly study the faces of each of these precious ones. I’ll watch the smiles, hear their laughter, and try to peek into their eyes. I want to get a glimpse of the dreams and hopes that live each of them.
And I also will allow my mind to drift back in time to remember the sick ones, mentioned above. To remember them when they were young , full of hopes and dreams. Back thru the years when I was able to gaze into their sweet happy faces.
So fellas, my wish for each you is to have a heart full of gratitude. Surround yourself with family. Give them massive hugs and express your love for them. But also, spend sometime with yourself and define the kind of man that you desire to be. Often times this requires fore brain thinking and requires a deliberate decision, but it’s worth it.
Happy Thanksgiving to all you great men.
I have a desire to fill you in on some recent happenings in my life.
A few days ago, I lost a cousin (2 years older than me). She’d been struggling with her health for several years. She was one of the most gracious, sweet spirited souls in my life. I’ll miss her immensely.
My favorite uncle is a 97 year old warrior and war hero. He fought in the battle of the Bulge. He’s always held me in high esteem. He suffered a stroke a few days ago. He survived but I don’t know the full extent of his damage. He’s living in my mind as I’m writing this.
During the last 2 months of my Dads life, he lived with my sis and her husband. They live south of Springfield, Mo. Gary (my brother in law) cared for my Dad as if he was his own. He helped him with his bathroom needs and all the jobs that a weakened elderly man has. He did these things , full of grace and affection for my dad. I love Gary for the kind of man he is. Gary suffered a stroke a few days ago and a week before that, one of his daughters passed. He survived, but his life quality is up in the air.
My Sister’s first husband ( married right after HS) is a very gentle man. He just wasn’t a responsible or conscientious husband and father. So it didn’t work out but I’ve always cared for him. He is in the end stages of lung cancer.
It might seem strange and even inappropriate that I tell you of these family upheavals here, the day before Thanksgiving. But I have my reasons.
No one ever told any of us that life would be easy. We live in a world where bad/evil has equal footing with good and happiness. We live for the times on the mountaintops but we know full well that we will all spend times in the valley. I’m fully aware that several of you have also recently found yourselves dealing with sadness and loss.
I’ve worked hard, over the years, to use life’s time in the valleys to be like a tempering process for my manhood and the way that I deal with life’s responsibilities.
I consider it necessary to address life in this manner. My family and the people in my circle of influence, often times are in need of a person that can be there and upright for them in difficult times.
So over the next several days, I’ll be spending time with all my family. As we laugh and celebrate this wonderful day, I will covertly study the faces of each of these precious ones. I’ll watch the smiles, hear their laughter, and try to peek into their eyes. I want to get a glimpse of the dreams and hopes that live each of them.
And I also will allow my mind to drift back in time to remember the sick ones, mentioned above. To remember them when they were young , full of hopes and dreams. Back thru the years when I was able to gaze into their sweet happy faces.
So fellas, my wish for each you is to have a heart full of gratitude. Surround yourself with family. Give them massive hugs and express your love for them. But also, spend sometime with yourself and define the kind of man that you desire to be. Often times this requires fore brain thinking and requires a deliberate decision, but it’s worth it.
Happy Thanksgiving to all you great men.
