I had an editorial written for this week when I remembered that it’s time to give thanks. Right now, I am writing this story on my Mac. I am grateful to Steve Jobs for inventing the Mac. I love all things Mac. Thank you Steve.
Jobs passed away after a long and inspirational battle against pancreatic cancer. My dad died of cancer when I was twenty-four. He was a good dad. I could always count on him if I needed something, even on the years when ranching wasn’t so good. I am thankful I had a good dad and that when I think of him I feel sad and warm at the same time. Dad gave me a love of the outdoors, the desire to question everything, the knowledge that there is always a way to fix things, and his strength.
My mom is still always there for me. Every day, she helps me. Several times a week the kids and I eat at Mom’s on our way between school and after school activities. I can talk to her about all my worries without her trying to fix everything. She will just listen. I am grateful Mom loves my kids and that they love her. My Mom has stressed the importance of education and shown me what family means.
My siblings and I don’t always get along, but we never hate one another. We argue and then, move on. When one of us really needs the other, we are there. My oldest brother often picks up the slack with my kids when I need help getting them to and from school or their activities. My kids love their aunts and uncles and know they love them.
I am grateful we have a home over our heads, a vehicle and milk in the fridge (we love milk). There is something to be said for coming home at the end of a long day to your home and knowing it is yours and that you don’t have to leave it any time soon.
I am grateful that my daughter has a good doctor in Penticton who helps her deal with her Juvenile Arthritis. Thank you Dr. Gross, Kim, Jackie, Christine and Caroline. You always let Shelby know she is not alone - there is a whole team waiting to help her.
I am grateful the kids have good teachers and that these teachers fight for all kids rights. They are their best advocates for the future. All the good ones make the lives of their student’s better. Thank you teachers.
Lastly, I am grateful that I can walk down the street and see people I like and who like me and who genuinely want to talk to me. I am grateful these people make the place I live better just by being in my little piece of heaven. Thank you friends.
And of course, most importantly, Mom and Dad always showed us they loved us with their actions and told us that you should always carry matches with you...just in case. Thank you Mom and Dad for making sure I am always warm inside and out.