Things I'm thankful for this Christmas

SawyerBrown · December 19, 2013, 09:34:02 PM

If you'll indulge me ... and I hope you'll all think about your own list this next week.

I'm thankful for family, for good friends, for wonderful neighbors. I'm thankful for this good woman that You gave me to be my partner, who loves me in spite of all the bone-headed things I do, even though most of the time I don't appreciate her nearly enough.

I'm thankful for 8-month-old Josie ... my little Booper ... and for entrusting her care to Barb and me for a few days a week. I'm thankful for the joy she brings with her smiles, those two new little teeth, her giggles, her raspberries, and her obvious interest in music.

I'm thankful for people a lot smarter than me that dedicate their lives to the medical profession, that help those of us that face physical challenges get healthy again. This year I'm especially thankful for skilled surgeons.

I'm thankful that, despite the extremely rare November F4 tornado that laid waste to hundreds of homes of my friends and neighbors in Washington, East Peoria, and Pekin., there was only one fatality. I'm thankful that it is a God-fearing community, and that so many were probably saved because they were in church when that monster storm hit. I'm thankful I have a warm home and a comfortable bed of my own in this cold and snow when so many don't.

I'm thankful for the meaningful work You provided all these years, and now retirement. I'm thankful for a new passion for salvaging urban trees for better uses and for a second career as a sawyer.

I'm thankful for a whole new set of friends on the Forestry Forum. I'm thankful for showing me that there are so many good people who go out of their way to help others, and that it's not about how much we get for ourselves, but how much we share our time, treasures, and talents with friend and stranger alike.

Mostly I'm thankful for The One who loves us unconditionally, even when we turn away. I'm thankful for an immaculate birth; a life's work that demonstrated for all of us the ultimate in love, humility, and servitude; and a death that brings hope for better things to come for those of us that don't deserve it.

Merry Christmas, all.

thecfarm · December 19, 2013, 10:37:53 PM

My list is kinda like yours,but you made it sound a whole lot better than I ever could!!
Merry Christmas

Magicman · December 20, 2013, 07:32:49 AM

Since I have been sorta nurse, housekeeper, poor cook, caregiver, etc. for the past 5 weeks, I know for sure what I am thankful for.

I have been truly blessed for over 50 years.

chickenchaser · December 20, 2013, 08:05:04 AM

Quote from: SawyerBrown on December 19, 2013, 09:34:02 PM
If you'll indulge me ... and I hope you'll all think about your own list this next week.

Sawyer - I'll indulge you. Again and again, if you like.

You get into some deeper water there toward the end...

A Wonderful and Safe Christmas to All here on The Forestry Forum

CC

ND rancher · December 20, 2013, 08:34:15 AM

Sawyer, that is a great list to be thankful for! I'm mostly thankful for more time with my wife.

Chuck White · December 20, 2013, 10:05:54 AM

I'm thankful that both of my sons are out of the Persian Gulf region, retired after 20 years service, and back home out of harms way.

Deese · December 20, 2013, 10:11:34 AM

There are many things I am thankful for....
Including this little fella

chickenchaser · December 20, 2013, 10:15:44 AM

DEESE! GET THAT BOY SOME CLOTHES ON! DON'T YOU KNOW IT'S ALMOST WINTERTIME.... ;)

Deese · December 20, 2013, 10:39:35 AM

Quote from: chickenchaser on December 20, 2013, 10:15:44 AM
DEESE! GET THAT BOY SOME CLOTHES ON! DON'T YOU KNOW IT'S ALMOST WINTERTIME.... ;)

He's in training to be the next Paul Bunyan.

Gotta toughen him up ;D

That pic was taken a while back...when it was a bit warmer. ;D He's starting to crawl a little now. I'm one proud papa smiley_really_happy

SawyerBrown · December 20, 2013, 12:17:37 PM

Aw, what a cute little guy! Looks like he's going to be a singer. ;D

Jim_Wahl · December 20, 2013, 12:58:54 PM

I'd like to mention that I am thankful for all of you folks. Even though most of you don't know me, I know you, and feel like you're my best friends. I'm also thankful for Jeff and the way he brought us all together. That has to be darn near miraculous!

Merry Christmas and happy and prosperous new year to all.

submarinesailor · December 20, 2013, 01:37:03 PM

Quote from: Chuck White on December 20, 2013, 10:05:54 AM
retired after 20 years service, and back home out of harms way.

Chuck - to you and your boys. The old Senior Chief says "Thank you for your service". And yes, them being home is something to be thankful for.

Bruce

Chuck White · December 20, 2013, 05:39:13 PM

Really appreciate the thanks Bruce!

It even means more coming from someone like you, thank you for your service too!

PC-Urban-Sawyer · December 20, 2013, 11:16:35 PM

Quote from: submarinesailor on December 20, 2013, 01:37:03 PM
Quote from: Chuck White on December 20, 2013, 10:05:54 AM
retired after 20 years service, and back home out of harms way.

Chuck - to you and your boys. The old Senior Chief says "Thank you for your service". And yes, them being home is something to be thankful for.

Bruce

+1 from an old Chief Petty Officer.

Herb

Chuck White · December 21, 2013, 09:08:06 AM

You guys are going to get me going!

Thanks

Stephen1 · December 21, 2013, 08:47:52 PM

the list is so nice it is hard to add to.
I am thankful for being able to live my life to the fullest.
Merry Christmas to All!

Busy Beaver Lumber · December 22, 2013, 09:26:43 AM

Definitely thankful for my wife and 5 girls and now 6 grand children. They are the reason for virtually every effort I make in life and support me all the way.