CommonTerry

God and Jesus – for life, forgiveness, and all that it would take me forever to thank.

Mom – for bringing awesomeness into the world (lol). Not just me but my little brother too, of course. I know it was hard on you to get me to improve on my awesomeness, but thank you for trying every day for the past 41 years. I love you!

My aforementioned little brother – for being always unfailingly by my side. Not everyone is as lucky as me – I love you!

Dad – for showing me, by example, that awesomeness can indeed be improved upon. I keep trying – Mom helps of course. I miss you.

James – No, I’m going to take YOUR money! I love you!

Austin – Being a teenager can really suck, I know. Well…I remember – believe me, I remember. But if you start working hard now, being an adult will suck less. I wish I could take my 20s and 30s back so I could give myself a chance to improve my life. You have your only shot right now, so it’s time to get started on that. I love you!

Vickie – Sister-in-Law extraordinaire: you always make me feel at home when I’m in yours. I love you!

All of my family – You all are the stars in my sky. I will miss you all today. I love you!

My Friends – Brilliant! You all are rock stars to me. I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to reconnect with so many of you that I haven’t seen in 20 years or longer. I hope your holidays are fantastic.

Every Day – is a lesson; a test of faith; a chance to do and spread what’s right or what’s wrong (we’re not perfect, but choose right as often as you can); time to be defeated or to rise above;  time to give up or keep fighting; time to get busy living or get busy dying (thanks Stephen King!); and best of all: It’s your decision. You can’t control everything, and sometimes not anything, but you can control how you react to it all. Be your best – it’s your decision.

I’m thankful for it all. I’m thankful for everyone –  even those who have hurt me and/or decided to not be a part of my life. There’s a reason for everything. I just never stop trying to make things better; to improve. I forgive you. I forgive me. It’s your decision. Regardless – I am thankful: for it all, for you all, for it all yet to come.

Thank you, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

B

PS:

I just want to say YEA! because the girl I wanted to win America’s Next Top Model, Nicole Fox, won! Only the second time ever that the girl that I picked from the beginning actually won. In fact, the girl who came in second was my #2 choice and that made it the first time ever that my #1 and #2 were actually #1 and #2. Classic! Anyway, yeah – not anything in the grand scheme, but it was fun to watch. We gotta have all the fun we can in the world….