It's About Time to Give Thanks

I've never once considered writing about giving thanks. At least not until now. And it's not that I have never been thankful, it's just that I usually thank those that I think I should and thank the powers that be when...well, I feel I should. Other than that, I'm usually too consumed with work, life and everything else to think about who and what  I should be thankful for. However, this year is different and I couldn't think of a better way to revive this damn blog then to write a quick post about being thankful.

The clean up, Somers Point, NJ

First I'd like to say that I'm thankful for my family. Our house is crazy. It's populated by me (enough said), my wife, my two daughters, my mother-in-law and two popcorn-eating hermit crabs. We're involved in sports, CCD, gymnastics, soccer, dance, art class, we work full time, enjoy wine and we're constantly on the run. However, I wouldn't have it any other way. It's crazy, and at times pure madness, but it's home and I'm thankful for it.

I'm also thankful for immediate family and extended family, who most recently helped us clean up my mother's home in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. It's been years since we all got together, and unfortunately I didn't get to see them, but somehow everyone managed to come together when my mom needed help most.

Finally, I'm thankful for a group of friends that I consider to be family. Throughout the year they provide constant support and companionship and have always been there for us. Each and every year they demonstrate their generosity by participating in our annual fundraising event to help raise money for childhood cancer research and each and every year I'm reminded just how fortunate I am to have them in our lives.

Team Payton 2012, Kicking Cancer's Butt
(http://www.facebook.com/teampayton2012)

As we head into another fun-filled Thanksgiving Day week I'm thankful I've got my health (for now), my family and a group of friends that just don't quit.

Happy Thanksgiving.