Thanksgiving is tomorrow, November 27th, and I am sure we are all ready for the big Thanksgiving meal and having family together again. Although this year my family will be spread out and Rosie and I are going to celebrate alone, I’m ok with that. Each family member has obligations to their new families, and I get it, and I am not at all upset about it … I think they are doing the right thing. Rosie and I will have a nice dinner, then relax the rest of the day… football for me, movies for her. When you are in your 70s, quiet time is valued more!
One thing I notice more as I grow older is how lucky and fortunate my life has been. I have accomplished more, been more places, done more things (some stupid!), and lived a good life. I need to take more time, other than Thanksgiving, and give thanks to almighty God for his blessings.
My family has had few tragedies, and have all been successful to this point, and the younger ones seem to be on a good path for their futures. I am truly blessed. I got up this morning, went to A&B coffee, saw my friends Betsy and Aaron, and just enjoyed sitting their talking to a few people who came in. Life’s simple pleasures are the best!
On the drive home, I started thinking about my life and how fortunate I am. When I parked my car, I looked out at the view I have of Turtle Creek Golf Course, with the sun shining on the 12th green, and the flag gently blowing, with the multi-colored trees in the background. I get to see this every day… and I am so appreciative of what my life has become.
Me, a former truck driver with his own business, then elected Township trustee, and then having the good people of Darke County elect me Commissioner, not once, but three times, and now, a successful and joyful retirement. Now, I get to write columns like this for My County Link and enjoy the company of the good people there. Gaylen Blosser is one of the people I respect the most, and his friendship is invaluable to me. So are the friendships of the rest of the MCL crew.
What a Life! It has been extraordinary for an ordinary guy. There is nothing special about me, I have just been blessed I guess with common sense and the ability to see right from wrong. Great parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles, guided me through childhood, and I was blessed to have them all….they were a solid foundation for me.
Thanksgiving is the time for me to realize how fortunate I am to live here in Darke County. I know, people complain about this place all the time, but I have done a lot of traveling, and I still love this place here, my hometown. It has its faults, yes, but it has its advantages too. Some people who complain need to get outside their comfort zone and see the world, and you will realize just how damn lucky you are to be here!
As I sit here pounding this keyboard this morning, I recognize my fortunes and misgivings, and realize that I need to thank Almighty God more for my life. We all should. Our lives aren’t perfect, but here they are better than most places, and on mornings like this one, I see that more clearly. I hope you do too!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
