Thankful Days

As I put my head down to rest last night I listened to the unfamiliar sounds at the home of my wife's mother: The furnace, the creaking of the cross beams on the second floor, the occasional hum of a neighbors car, my wife tapping on the computer downstairs or laughing at something she'd read or seen on television; the sounds of the day letting go into rest. 

And my own thoughts for my family, my friends, my work, my dreams came in and out of my inner sight like guests at a celebration; in and out of the flickering light of a nighttime affair. More even than at the new years day, I think of the past year on Thanksgiving. I think all the way back to being a child and wondering what it meant to be thankful. 

This year, I know, will stand tall among the years in my life. There are many things to remember. There is much to be thankful for. Here are the things that I am most thankful for: 

• That my son's condition is known and that he is better and we are better at helping him. 
  
• That my daughter is healthy and full of delight and a good big sister. 
  
• For my wonderful wife; my heart, my love, my reason. 
  
• To be still employed in such financial turmoil and to be doing work that I am proud of. 
  
• For President Obama and to be a citizen of this country who elected him. 
  
• For Dawn Zimmer, our new mayor of Hoboken - you also give me hope. 
  
• For my great neighborhood and the caring people who make it our home. 
  
• For everyone whose encouraged me to write, and to Lisa Belkin who let me guest blog on Motherlode and Louise Kinross who let me guest write on Bloom.  
  
• For every act of kindness I received and gave. 
  
• For good therapists and doctors and nurses and counselors and advocates. 
  
• To be healthy. 
  
• To have the use of my wits and faculties, and the will to use them well. 
  
• For all the teachers I encountered. 
  
• For my grandmothers who look over me and my uncle Harry and Aunt Agnes who were like grandparents to me. 
  
• For the family that raised me and the one that I joined. 
  
• For Richard and Shelia and everyone whose needed help in the hospital this year. 
  
• For all the writers who inspired me and taught me and educated me. 
  
• For all the moms and dads who visit my blog and encourage me. 
  
• For my brother's PhD. and my sister's efforts to found a school. 
  
• For another year to be kind and hardworking and helpful and full of hope. 

There's too much to list really. It makes me wonder why I complain so much or ever think my days are bitter. 

Please share what you're thankful for if you have a moment. 

Happy Thanksgiving.