Eve of Thanks

To my son Tommy,

Life is difficult.  It is filled with hardships and challenges.  Much of life is filled with struggle and strife.  You need only look out your window and see a world far beyond the comfort of our life.  That is why on the eve of this Thanksgiving holiday, we have plenty to be thankful for.

I am thankful we live where we live.  We don't have to worry about mortar fire and tanks.  We don't have to wake up everyday and pick up a weapon and fight for our basic rights.  We don't have to wonder if tomorrow our house will be rubble.

I am thankful for the food in our refrigerator.  We don't have to worry where or when our next meal is coming from.  Tomorrow we will have food for leftovers when many don't have enough food for their daily meal.

I am thankful for our house.  Yes our old problem ridden house that I constantly worry and complain about.  I must always remember that a roof over head is better than no roof at all.  We each have a bed and the basic amenities and much much more than some.

But most of all I am thankful for our family and our love.  I am thankful for you and the love between a father and his son.  I am thankful for your mommy and the love not only between a mother and her son but also the love between a wife and a husband.  And when you go further beyond our immediate family and start including parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles and friends and everyone,  you find this web of love weaves itself into a comforting blanket that keeps us safe and warm from the cold reality of life.

As you ponder your life and take time to reflect always remember there is plenty to be grateful for in your life.  Love is the greatest gift that God gave us and no matter the circumstance you find yourself,  if you can find love for you and your family and your brethren around the world, you will find you have everything you need.  Be thankful my son for all you have and thankful for all who sacrificed to give you these things.

Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo