Every year, I use this blog as a place to say what I am thankful for.

The reality of the election in the U.S. has made it a bit more difficult to express; but taking a vacation from the news and social media in general has helped me focus on what I am thankful for that is close to me:

  1. My son, Ethan and my new daughter in law, Alice are expecting a baby! I am going to be a grandpa!
  2. My son, Daniel got engaged to my future daughter in law, Maggie who will be married in 2026 in Arizona!
  3. Medicare in January 1, 2025! I now will have health insurance that covers something!
  4. Biking and hiking in the winter in Arizona as I prepare to do the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim in one day in May 2025.

Subsequent to writing this I had an accident where I broke my kneecap (patella) and couldn’t go to the traditional thanksgiving meal. So now, I am awaiting surgery on Friday. In one moment, it can change what you are thankful for.

My friend has this exercise to change your point of view or mood by adding “but isn’t great that…”.

So now I am repeating to myself, but isn’t it great that…

…my accident was in front of one of the best hospitals in the country…

… there are drugs to take away the pain… and the psychedelic colors and patterns Ketamine brings

… that I have some insurance…

… I have people that can care for me…

…there are surgeons that can fix my knee so I can hike and bike again….

There are so many things to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you get to celebrate with the people you care most about.