The Laughing Wolf

A Day Of Thanks

Amidst all that is bad in the world, it is good and right to set aside time to remember all that is right with our worlds. Indeed, I think it should be done more often than once a year. That said, here are a few of the things for which I am thankful:

Old Friends: Or rather, long-term friends. Those that have known me for years and still -- for some odd reason -- like me and continue to be the family that has chosen me, or I them. They stand through thick and thin.

New Friends: I have made a number of new acquaintances in the last few years, a number of new friends, and even some True Friends in the bargain.

Absent Friends: Two-legged, four-legged, whatever. Each has enriched my life and given more than I would ever have dared ask, or deserve. A reminder that it oft is nice to get what we need, rather than what we think we deserve. See you in the light my friends.

Health: No, I am not in the shape I care to be, but the results of the physical appear to be quite good so far. In fact, far better than I expected. Who can complain about that?

Work: A steady paycheck has been good, and I have gotten to work on or with some neat and interesting things and some neat and interesting people. For the latter in particular, I am thankful.

The Lair: I have long wanted a home of my own, and while it has been a money pit of sorts, it is also wonderful. For it, and the opportunity it presents, I am thankful. Still think friend G is trying to kill me with the flowers and landscaping though...

Good Neighbors: One set of neighbors in particular have reminded me of what it means to be a neighbor, and to be neighborly.

Meeting People: I've had the chance to meet a lot of people this last year, and I have met some truly wonderful ones. Meeting new and different people is truly a wonder and a blessing.

Learning: I have been given so many chances to learn this last year. Work has exposed me to new professional concepts, reminded me of things long forgotten, and -- best of all -- has introduced me to new areas of research that are simply fascinating. Wolf Park has exposed me to so much more than just wolf poo. P & G have taught me more about animal behavior in just a few short months than I have learned in the last ten years, and may even allow me to expand that into animal care a bit as well. A has taught me a good bit about bison and bison herding, though A may be coming around (at least in one particular case) to my position that bison are best medium rare. A different A has taught me so much about foxes, and taken the time to show the details and subtle points on these fascinating creatures. My thanks also to Wolf Park for letting me attend Dr. Ray Coppinger's seminar, more on that soon once my brain tops hurting...

Those Who Serve: Some I know, most I do not, but for them very special thanks this day! Each sails into harms way, no matter how they serve. Those in the military openly defend me and mine, and keep the enemy at bay. They liberate not just territory, but hearts and minds as well. There are those, military and other, who fight in the shadows and the dark. They too keep the enemy at bay, and remove their fangs as most sleep. Special thanks to you, the unheralded and unsung. Here at home, law enforcement, paramedics, and firefighters deserve our thanks too, for they oft fight a different foe. In particular, thank a paramedic or a firefighter today, and remember that outside of the cities many/most of these are volunteers. They are your neighbors, your friends.

The Good, The Bad: The Ugly, the beautiful, the pleasurable, the painful and all else have shaped this year and me. Together and individually, they provide the opportunity for growth and growth is good. The day we stop learning, and stop growing, is the day we truly die even if the body lives on.

For You: My readers, my acquaintances, my friends, and more. Your being here, your reading, your taking part in blog and in life is something for which I am deeply and truly thankful.

There is so much more, but this hits the high points.

Oh, one more thing:

J, I miss you too.

LW