David, thank you for such an opportunity!
Right now, I'm away from home, away from my girls, and in Seattle for a friend's wedding. I'm truly thankful for time-tested true friendships; the ability to deeply share your life with someone else other than biological family or family through marriage; the ability to call someone (not biologically related) a "brother" and truly mean it, and have it also be reciprocated back.
My wife and I have been talking a lot about people our the pasts, "along the way", who've made impacts in our lives, as we're revising or holiday card mailing list... Adding and subtracting addresses. This year I've added a few addresses that were "a blast from the past" people.... Those who I've missed, somewhat lost contact, and reached out to again. It's nice to reconnect again; and I'm thankful for all the people, relationships, good and bad, that have gotten is to where we are.
Attending this wedding this weekend also brings up a few things:
I'm thankful for the union of marriage, the chance and ability to find that someone, and commit ourselves to each other, through everything. I've found someone whose life I want to forever be a part of, who I'm proud to be with, and who thinks and fell the same towards me. I'm truly thankful. And this, in turn, brought us two lovely daughters, who I wholeheartedly love and appreciate. My 4yr old is a mini-me, Is everything we've asked her to be (personality, moral, social, and educational developments) and I cannot ask for a better daughter. My 7 month old is looking like she'll be taking after my wife in pretty much all aspects. Both kids even have different skin colots to match, which is also pretty funny (we're a mixed couple). I'm very thankful for all that family is and can be; thankful to my parents for this gift of life and a wonderful home and intend to pay it forward (and guide my kids and hopefully future grandkids to do so) to my fullest ability.
Thanks again, David, for prompting us and reminding us to remain thankful, and giving us the opportunity to share it with everyone here!