It’s National Thank You Day. Nice. All thank yous matter. It’s one of the two things my parents drilled into my head when I was growing up. Number one was Please, followed by number two, thank you. So I’d like to say a few thank yous today.

Thank you, God, for taking care of me all these years. You know I have an attention deficit problem, but still, you’ve always been there for me. Thank you for blessing me beyond my wildest expectations and getting me this far in life. What remaining time I have, I realize is yours and it’s a bonus. I’ll try to use it wisely and not let you down.

Thank you, Tina, for coming into my life when you were fifteen years old. I knew you were something special back then, but after putting up with me for forty one years I know you are. Thank you for making me a better person than I could have been without you. You brighten my day each time you walk into the room.

Thank you Amy, Becky and Carrie for coming into my life. You’ve taught me so much over the years. Love, fear and patience. Love unconditionally, fear for what an unknown future would bring you, and patience to wait and watch as you became young adults in your own right.

Thank you Zoey, Lily, Anna Kate, Bennett and Ryan for bringing me unimaginable joy. You kids are a delight! And each one of you are special in your own way.

Thank you Spanky for making me get up each morning at a reasonable hour and exercise. You’re the reason I’m down about fifteen pounds since May. Thanks for not biting the other walkers, joggers and bikers on our walks twice a day. I like this neighborhood and I’d hate to have to move.

Thank you to all of my nearly 800 friends on Facebook, even though I don’t really know all of you personally. I enjoy you sharing your life, family and pets with me. I don’t care which political party you are affiliated with, what race you are, who you have for a life partner, or what religion you are (or aren’t). We don’t have to agree on everything to be friends, do we? I hope you feel the same way. I believe that’s what makes the world go ‘round. Thanks for being a part of my day.

Here’s wishing you well. Remember to love one another and play nice. Peace.

Rick