I long time ago my Mom started asking around the Thanksgiving table for everyone to state what they were thankful before anyone could eat. This was met with moans and groans at first but over the years have evolved into a bit of a tradition.

We have been fortunate enough over the past few years to spend Thanksgiving with my mother in Florida. On top of that, this year in school Kate made a Thanksgiving tree. The Thanksgiving tree makes Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree look like a redwood. But is has these little labels that we all have to fill out before dinner and then Kate is going to read them out loud and attach them to the tree.

So I have been doing a little thinking. These are the things that I am thankful for, more then will fit on the tree.

My health.

For that fateful night in NYC in 1992.

Which led to Abby being my wife. She makes me a better person and tolerates me when I am not.

Kate and Jack, it is amazing to watch them grow and learn every day.

My Mom, who is a cancer survivor.

The mercy when my Dad passed due to the disease.

My brother and sister.

My in-laws who have treated me like a son even though I stole the Kid to the South.

To live in America where I poor boy from Kentucky can make a little something for himself.

The ability of this country to go out and change its leadership.

To be involved with the transformation caused by the Internet from its earliest stages, and to watch the wonder it brings to peoples lives.

For Sweetness and 1985, the Big Red Machine, Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz, and the Cards of the eighties.

For pumpkin cheesecake.

To be able to take this day and enjoy it. The family, friends, football, food, and fun.

Happy Thanksgiving.