As my lungs fill with the crisp and cool autumn air, I am reminded of years and memories gone past here in my hometown of Crowley Lake. The countless strolls around the Juniper Loop with my walking-enthusiast of a mother, the hour-long conversations and prayers with my dear friend, mentor and second-mother, Lisa, the uncontrollable, ab-tightening laughter around our dinner table, and my dad’s random impersonations and dance moves in the living room are all such fond moments and memories ever seeded in my heart and mind—memories for which I am deeply grateful.

As we near the day of thanksgiving when we gather ‘round the china and crystal laden table that is adorned with the most delectable Thanksgiving treats one could ever imagine, I thought it proper and fitting to think through and perhaps write about a few of the someones and somethings for which I am grateful. So alas, here I am with a cup of hot apple cider snuggled up in my mom’s cushy, green chair where I am warmed by the heat of the orange-flamed fire.

I am thankful for the small moments in the life—laughing at a stupid joke, playing in the fallen piles of leaves, tasting winter’s first snowfall, wedging grains of sand in between my toes, paddling out at dawn to catch the first wave of the day with my dad.

I am thankful for the people in my life…
Arielle – I appreciate the grace, love and warmth you bring to my life.
Larissa – I am grateful for the joy and laughter and fun you bring to my life.
Liane – I am so thankful for the constant support and encouragement you have been to me.
Josh – I am grateful for the way you get me excited about life and about photography.
Granma – I am so grateful for all you have taught me and for the moments I get to spend with you.
Michele – I am grateful for the way you have poured so much time, love and energy into my life and have been committed to my growth and development.
Sister – I love how we can just be together doing nothing and still manage to laugh and have a good time.
Dad – I am thankful for your sense of humor and for the ways in which you have rubbed off on me ☺
Mama – I am so grateful for your constant presence. You have always been present in so many ways and I have always known you were there.
Lisa – I am so grateful for the ways you remind me who I am and how you are so strong and faithful and other-centered in the midst of pain and exhaustion. You encourage my faith!
Hannah – I am thankful for the memories we have shared and for how constant and growing our friendship is.
Eric – I love how you love everyone around you in such an honest way and you let nothing hinder you. You see beyond the exterior and into the heart. I love that.

This is just the cliff notes version of all the things for which and the people for whom I am thankful. I am so blessed. I am tearin’ up here thinking about it. Thank you for being such an integral part of my life and for loving me, encouraging me, supporting me and for making me a better friend, a better man, and a better follower of Christ. Thank you!