Thankful & Abundantly Blessed

As we approach Thanksgiving, I reflect on how thankful I am for all that I have, all that I am. It all started (& continues) with the most amazing role models ever, my parents, pictured above. They taught my siblings and me life lessons that have enriched all of us. And that ripple of goodness from them both goes far and touches so many. For me, the most important lesson learned - it is not what you have, but who you are. Through their example, abundance takes on a whole new, healthy meaning. It's not the money in the bank, the accumulation of "things", the car you drive. No possession should be defining factors of who you are. Character, morality, honesty, transparency, kindness, generosity, those are the defining traits. My parents have those characteristics and so much more. They live truthfully, richly, in the moment AND full of thanks... I do all I can to follow their lead. Generous in their love and guidance, I am enriched by their abundant gifts, constant support and extraordinary creative energy. I was fortunate to be with them last week as they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Joy and love permeated the restaurant, but that is nothing new, I grew up with that feeling of joy and love as we, as a family, celebrated the simple things in life, birthdays, holidays, weddings and even more simply, sharing a pizza on a Wednesday night. My childhood home was, absolutely, the house that love built. There was no occasion too small to not stop and give thanks for all we had. That sense of celebration, the richness of their love for each other and all of us, that awareness that each moment is precious, special in its own right and an opportunity to learn, guides me today. As a youth, at the end of the day, my mother would ask me what I had learned that day. My father would say, no matter how young or how old, make sure, each day, you discover something new, challenge yourself, think deeply and even more importantly, give something of yourself to the greater community. So, as I muse about the beginning of the holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving, I am just so incredibly grateful and thankful for these two stellar individuals I am so fortunate to call mom and dad. Their every day example has kept me on the right track. Everything I have, right down to my very core, I owe to them. Their bright outlook, can-do attitude and love has moved mountains and has most certainly made me a better man. My dad reminded me this past weekend, remember, Thanksgiving is every day. Live life abundantly, not shackled by things, but richly in who you are.