When Kyle Brotzman missed the straightforward, middle-of-the-field, "chip-shot" field goal with two seconds left in the game last week in Nevada, Idaho football fans saw their dream of the Rose Bowl, or perhaps a national collegiate championship, go down the drain. There seemed to be little to be thankful for in this season of giving thanks.
But I'm thankful for a lot of things I didn't get this year. I'm thankful for not getting ill with a life-threatening disease. Many of my friends and family were not that fortunate. I have a lot of gratitude for not having to receive unemployment checks every two weeks. I've got two jobs. I'm thrilled to not have an expensive mortgage to maintain each month in these uncertain economic times. I rent an inexpensive, warm cabin with a fireplace and the property didn't sell this year. I didn't have an alcoholic drink all year, or the year before. I don't have a DUI charge looming over me or a court case to attend. My children are struggling, but I didn't lose any of their love. I'm thankful for all those things I didn't get.
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One particular joy I did receive was having my eldest daughter, Sarah, call me in uncontrollable tears. Sarah's fella', Shane Touchette, proposed to her via the jumbo teletron screen at half time during the BSC/Fresno State football game at Bronco Stadium. More than 32,000 fans saw the proposal with Shane on one knee offering Sarah a ring. (BAM) I don't have an unhappy Sarah anymore. It doesn't get any better than that. Well, maybe one thing was better. I knew it was coming because Shane had called me two days earlier to ask for my permission to marry my daughter.
So, bring on the storms, the challenges, the heartbreaks, the losses—I'm happy with the things I didn't get.
Nice talking to you.
