We must find the time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. ~John F. Kennedy

Thanksgiving as a holiday is but single day in time, where most people pause and give thanks and take an inventory of their blessings, but the spirt of Thanksgiving should be practiced daily.

I try to let those people who are important to me know they are throughout the year and often.  Whether through a note, a gift, a phone call, etc.  However, no matter how silly or sappy my friends and family think I am when I remind them they are special, I don’t think I’ll ever change.

Today I say, “Thank you” to all the people who cause me to be a better me. For those family and friends who love me for who I am, no matter how frustrated I make them. For those who understand that being my friend requires a little patience, a lot of laughter, and an open mind.

Today, I am thankful that I have a job I absolutely love and co-workers who are just are as amazing as our project is awesome. I can’t name everyone, but I will say – Cole, Frank, Stephanie, Charlie, JK, Michael and the project leads cause me to strive toward an excellence that is so worth it. It’s awesome to work with people who value your contributions and seek your council. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the team.

Today, I have a roof over my head.  3 years ago I didn’t.  I am thankful for the lessons learned and the strength gained throughout the experience of dealing with a house fire. I hope one day I can pay forward and pass along to others what the open source communities, family, and friends shared with us during that time.  I will never be able to say “Thank you” enough or express my appreciation to you all, but I will always remember you and count you among my blessings. Forever!

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.  ~Melody Beattie

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!