Now, I'm not a complete jaded ass that wants to preclude appreciation, and I do believe it's necessary to reflect on what is truly important and why we should be grateful for it: it keeps us grounded. In fact, gratitude is a virtue that I try to instill in my kids, daily, but there is just something peculiar about cyberspace and it always seems a bit disingenuous when people express their feelings on it. Likewise, it also showcases how shallow we have become as a nation. Case in point, everyone starts off real strong on Day #1 - with family, Day #2 - friends, Day #3 their health and then the inevitable "oh crap" moment sets in where we all end up scrambling to find 27 other frivolous things to be "thankful" for. And, unfortunately, they always end up being materialistic and unimportant albeit sometimes amusing. When it comes right down to it, though, on Thanksgiving day instead of celebrating our humble beginnings and hopeful futures together, a good majority of American's spend this precious time, alone, plotting and scheming how and where to spend their beloved Black Friday! Hell, we all know nothing says I'm "thankful" more than a mom on mom brawl outside of a Hobby Lobby, right?
So, while I too could come up with 30 bull-hockey things I'm appreciative and "thankful" for, I'll save you all the despair and just stick to the highlights.
I'm "thankful" for the laughter and hugs that greet me when I walk in my front door. For my four kiddos that have taught me what unconditional love and respect, genuinely, mean. I'm "thankful" to be healthy and to have the physical ability to work hard and play even harder with my kids. I'm super "thankful" for my brilliant, beautiful, wife that hasn't murdered me in my sleep, yet! For the 2nd Amendment, our natural resources, hunting, fishing, all outdoor sports in general, and the amazing opportunities they have provided me, the skills they have taught me, and the life lessons they have shown me. I'm "thankful" for our Veterans, those who have served, still serving today, and for all their friends and family that won't be able to spend the holidays with them. I'll even throw a big "thanks" to whomever invented the "Un-friend" button on Facebook and just for the sake of vanity...I'm "thankful" for my beard!
Hugs, Handshakes and Happy Holidays!
Trav