OldTroubador's blog post - Thanksgiving

Tomorrow, here in the States, is Thanksgiving Day, a day set aside by President Lincoln in 1863 as a national holiday. It's origins are rooted in the years after the Pilgrims first landed in what is now Massachusetts as a day to give thanks for a successful harvest and for surviving another year.
And while tomorrow is a special day for giving thanks and for celebrating with family and friends, feasting and football, remember - every day is Thanksgiving Day. No matter our circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for - being alive is always a good one, having the love and support of family and friends, a child's smile. And, this season, if you have a chance, give someone else a reason to be thankful.
I posted this last year at this time, but, try as I could, was not able to improve upon it.
I am thankful to be alive.
I am thankful for my health which is, for the most part, quite good.
I am thankful for my daughter, the highlight of my life.
I am thankful for my family - my father, mother, sister and her children.
I am thankful that I am able to work, and work on a job that I love.
I am thankful that I live in a country where I am free to worship, and to worship whatever Supreme Being that I wish to. Or to not worship at all.
I am thankful for the veterans, and their families - past, present, and future, who have sacrificed so much to give us the freedoms I enjoy.
Last but not least, I am thankful for all my friends, here and everywhere, who have shown me that I still have a heart, a soul, and am worthwhile as a person. All of you who have helped me laugh, smile, sing. All of you who have lifted me up. All of you who have shown me love and kindness and allowed me to do the same for you. Friends past, present, and future - I have loved you all, and still do. Each one of you has become a part of me, a part I will treasure and carry with me forever.
I am thankful. Very thankful indeed.