Thankful in 2021

Like many Americans (and Canadians, though strangely much earlier than the USA), I spend some time Thanksgiving morning going over all the things I’m thankful for, mainly focusing on the time since the last time I did it. Research tells us, over and over again, that gratitude exercises make for a better mindset, promote happiness, and help with interpersonal relationships. It’s a great life hack, and something I try to do regularly. Thanksgiving gives an opportunity to cast a wider net, though. This year, I wanted to do this a bit more public.

So what am I thankful for this year? So. Much.

I’m thankful that Danica, Grace, Clare, and I made it across the country safely in our move to New Hampshire.

I’m thankful that no one in my group of family and friends have been permanently affected by COVID sickness.

I’m thankful that both Danica and I have jobs, and we’re able to work remotely, enabling this move.

I’m thankful for our beautiful house and view we just moved into in Newbury, New Hampshire.

I’m thankful that both Grace and Clare are doing well at Mount Royal Academy (Grace achieved high honors for the first quarter!) and have made friends in their classes.

I’m thankful that Eve is doing well pursuing her art career back in Oregon.

I’m thankful that we’ve found a great parish in St. Patrick’s here in New Hampshire.

I’m thankful for my team’s in Ireland and India at McAfee Enterprise.

I’m thankful for my health, especially after the scare in South Dakota (damn SVT!).

I’m thankful to all my friends back in the Pacific Northwest, that I miss dearly.

I’m thankful for all my family, both here in New Hampshire, and back in Washington State.

I’m thankful for my country, with all its successes and failures, especially during these turbulent times.

I’m thankful, most of all, to Jesus Christ.

The important thing for me to constantly remind myself is to not take any of this for granted. Almost every one of those items above could change in a heartbeat, literally. In the immortal words of Tom Keifer, you really don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.

And on that happy note, I’ll leave those of my generation one thing to ponder deeply on this day of feasting: the lead singer of Cinderella, Tom Keifer, turned 60 years old this year. (!)

You’re welcome.