Thankful
2003
Okay,
so technically it’s
a week after Thanksgiving...
that doesn’t mean it’s
not still a good time to reflect
on the positives in life.
We’ll get back to the
negatives next week (like
people who empty the grocery
store shelves in a panic every
time it snows).
In
the meantime, in the spirit
of the holiday....
I’m
thankful for the wonder of
newborns. Sure, I understand
where babies come from, but
even without organized religion
in my life there’s something
about the miracle of birth
that gives you have faith
in something.
I’m
also thankful for the capacity
that a five year old has for
love. Most days as a parent
you really get no sense of
what you’re contributing
to your child’s life.
Then there are the days when
your daughter wants nothing
more than to help with her
baby brother and you know
you’re doing some good.
And
I’d be lying if I said
I wasn’t thankful that
I don’t have functioning
breasts. That fact combined
with an infant son who refuses
to accept a bottle has allowed
me to remain well-rested through
the newborn transition period.
I’m
thankful that Bill Parcels
has come to Dallas. Don’t
get me wrong – I’m
bitter that he let Emmitt
Smith go, but at the same
time it’s been quite
a while since you could publicly
admit that you were a Cowboys
fan.
I’m
thankful for the diet Coke
“fridge packs.”
Way cool.
I’m
thankful that my voice is
(slowly) coming back. Sure,
would have been nice to have
it back already, but at the
same time I’ve gotten
to spend a lot of time at
home this year with the family
that I normally wouldn’t
get. Doesn’t mean I’m
not anxious to get back on
the road though....
I’m
thankful still for one of
the greatest group of friends
that a person could have.
My close circle includes people
that I’ve known since
my freshman year of college
and through all of the turmoil
of life and craziness of adulthood
we still manage to stay very
close. They keep me inspired,
entertain me, and remind me
daily how lucky I am to have
friends who truly care.
I’m
still thankful for Jagermeister.
I bet I could be convinced
to be more thankful if they
still sent a bottle at the
holidays....
I’m
thankful that the Grammys
are back in Los Angeles this
year – I mean, I love
New York but it’s just
not that fun as winter destinations
go.
I’m
thankful for two of the best
kids I know.
I’m
still thankful for those of
you that take the time to
read this.
I’m
also thankful to be exactly
where I am in life. I mean,
sure, I want my voice back
and can’t wait to return
to playing live and I can
always use more cash flow...
but at some point you start
to distinguish between “need”
and “want”. If
you’re lucky you realize
that life is pretty darned
good even if it’s not
exactly as you expected it
to be.
What
are you thankful for?
This
Essay © 2003 Lee Totten
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