Thanksgiving has always been some sort of a special day for - TopicsExpress

Thanksgiving has always been some sort of a special day for everyone who celebrates it. Some of us think of our family members, those present and those absent for one reason or another. What we do and how we celebrate can be a very personal and sometimes private ritual which can relate to how we were raised and the traditions we learned as we grew up. What so many of us forget to do is be thankful for what we have, where we live and how our lives are affected by others who have given south to protect and ensure our rights and life styles. I am thankful for a life filled with wonderful children, 6 beautiful daughters (I think of all of them as my daughters); and three good looking sons (see above) I just have to accept that Jerry Funderburk and Bob Mazucco happen to be biological fathers to some of them; and I thank the two of them for allowing me to be a part of these young peoples lives. And we have a Foster son whom I think will make a fine young man some day. I have four great sons in law and four beautiful daughters in law and I can not express enough the pride I have in these young people nor the joy I receive from my grand children. I have been extremely fortunate to be able to have such a fantastic extended family and to have Kathy Ward as my wife. I want to remind everyone to thank their God or higher power for their graces and blessings which you have received and dont forget to give back when possible to those in need. Please dont forget to think of those who no longer are present to share our lives with. We all have over the years lost so many who a major part of our lives and meant so much. But, most important, please remember that none of these things as we know them would be possible without the sacrifices and dedication of so many young and old Heroes of our Armed Forces and the multitude of public servants we so often over look or forget to thank and praise for their work, dedication and sacrifice. These people are all Heroes and deserve respect and honor from every one of us. So, with great appreciation, respect and honor I thank all of those who serve now and all the many that have or may serve.