Tag: I am thankful for

Thankful – 2024

The final weeks of 2024 are upon us. On this Thanksgiving day, I find myself thinking of the things I am thankful for. I know that many readers will think, “Oh boy. Here we go again. Another list from Keith.” Let me ask you – How do you feel? I have found by reflecting on the things I am thankful for, I gain a new sense of happiness. You can too! Try it, and see.

I am thankful for:

  • My wife. Her love, patience and understanding mean so much to me. She is the glue that holds our family together. I fall in love with her over and over again.
  • My children. I have been blessed with 4 of the most amazing children. Each of them is so different from the other. Each of them a distinct personality. Each of them smart, beautiful, handsome, and funny! Thoughts of them fill my heart daily.
  • My Faith. I am thankful for the Bible and the knowledge I gain from reading it.
  • My Savior Jesus Christ. The never ending and unconditional love that He showed for me at Calvary’s Cross, well, there is no way to express how thankful I am for that.
  • My father. I am so grateful to still have him around. His guidance, his advice, his influence, and his laughter are things I truly appreciate.
  • My brother. For two kids who beat the snot out of each other growing up, we are very close. Closer than ever, actually. His support and love for my family overflows. I treasure the little texts or pictures we send to each other, many that need no explanation.
  • My friends. There are many people that fall into this category. From my best friends of over 50 years to radio friends, college friends, church friends, and more. Friendship is something I do not take for granted. Thank you for being my friend.
  • Memories. Again, there is so much to place into this category. The memories of loved ones who have passed away. The memories of the bad times, which makes the good times even more special. The memories of special events. The memories of joy and the memories of sadness. The memories that come with a book, movie, TV show or a song. The memories that an old photo bring to mind.
  • My job. I am grateful to have found a line of work that allows me to provide for my family. I am also thankful that I get to help people while doing it.
  • Our home. We are blessed to have a warm bed to sleep in. A couch to snuggle on. A kitchen to cook in. A roof under which happy memories are made.
  • Modern technology. While not all of it is good, I do like being able to spellcheck my work. It is also nice being able to search just about anything on Google.
  • You. I am thankful that you are reading this. I am thankful that you read and react to my blogs. I am thankful for you willingly choosing to follow this page.

The above list is small portion of my list of things to be thankful for. In I Thessalonians 5:18, the Bible says simply, “In everything, give thanks!” Doing that will change your heart. It causes you to look at things differently. You find it easier to cope with things. I aids in your understanding. It is also one of the hardest things to do. But I trust that it is what we all need to do. Give thanks in everything today and always.

May you and yours have a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Your friend,

Keith

Turkey Projects …

Something came up in my Facebook Memories yesterday and it reminded me of a Thanksgiving project both of my sons did in school. I want to say that they did them in Kindergarten or First Grade. Each child is given a picture of turkey and they have to disguise the turkey so he/she will survive Thanksgiving.

When my oldest son, Dante’, did his project, he was a big fan of The Incredibles movie. He wanted to make his turkey like Mr. Incredible. I remember using felt to make the costume. We also used red and black feathers to match the outfit. As great as it turned out, I remember what a pain it was to get the mask right and to get the “i” in the middle of the costume to stay in place.

Five years later, my youngest son, Dimitri, was given the same project to do. I remember thinking, “How do we top the Incredible Turkey?” Eventually, we decided that this was going to be one groovy turkey. We decided he was going to dress up like he was going to a 1970’s Disco! I remember we had a bag of felt from other projects and I found some tan felt to make an afro. It wasn’t easy to cut, but I made a peace sign necklace out of the same red felt we used for the Incredible Turkey.

I’m sure Dante’ made other “turkey” themed projects, but I can’t seem to find the pictures. One of Dimitri’s still moves me to tears when I see it. Both boys have always been “mama’s boys,” so I was really surprised when I saw this project hanging on his locker one year…

“I am thankful for my dad” – Dimitri

Then there was this note from Dimitri to Dante’.

“Dear Dante’, I want to thank you for helping me with my homework I really apresheate (appreciate) it and thanks for playing every time I ask you are the best brother ever!”

I sent this to both boys today on Facebook. Dimitri laughed at his spelling error. I really hope that they can look back and always remember how good they were to each other.

I look forward to Turkey Projects and holiday themed projects from Ella when she starts school. I’m sure they will bring about smiles, laughter, joy , and tears.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am so thankful for my children and grateful for my family!