Thanksgiving 2003
Nov. 30, 2003

It has been a long while since I've written a Thanksgiving message, and probably more than a few people don't mind that. Well, this tradition has come back. Better late than never.

As I've devoted some time to updating this entire site to the new look, I've reread old writings and reviewed how much I've grown. Thankfully, most of the change I've seen has been positive (despite some growth around my middle), but not everything is as good as I would like. I suspect there will always much to improve about myself. However, upon reflection, I realize that's not a bad thing. Who I am today is still a work in progress. Who I will be tomorrow reflects the choices I make today.

Am I a good enough father? Am I good enough to get into graduate school? Am I trying hard enough to be a good husband? Do I really know what I want to do with myself? Am I kind enough to others? These and other questions dog me, yet these are the very questions that spur me forward, motivate me to be better.

It is times like this (just after Thanksgiving) that I realize how grateful I am to have another day to improve myself. I have another day to spend with my family. I have another day to live. Despite the challenges I face (or that we all face, for that matter), I know I can do it. I just have to keep working at it. As long as I'm here, I can keep going.

This will be relatively short, because I don't want to belabor the point. I have to remember that every time I wake up in the morning, I need to have gratitude in my heart. The powers that be did not have to give me another day. But I'm still here. Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving