Things for which I am thankful today

The good fortune to be born in the greatest nation in the history of mankind where one is valued as an individual; for parents who taught me right from wrong and instilled in me the values to which I owe much of my success today; for parents who sacrificed so much for their four boys and provided us a safe home where we were loved and had the basic day-to-day necessities and not much else but that is all we really needed; for Harry having the guts to make the most difficult decision to bring WW II to an end so my father would not die in the planned invasion of Japan; for parents still with us in their 80s after 60+ years of marriage although now losing them both slowly day-by-day to Alzheimer's Disease; for my loving wife of 38 years who has been more than I deserve and could ever ask for; for four great kids of whom I am very justifiably proud; for one adorable grandson with another grandchild on the way; for a job I enjoy almost all of the time and hope to retire from; for good health so far which is mostly more evidence of good fortune rather than good care on my part; for countless friends who add so much enjoyment and fullness to my life.  For all those reasons and more, I wish a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving to all.  And please remember all those serving our nation and their loved ones who cannot be with them to share this Thanksgiving together.