November 24, 2010 11:59 PM

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

And happy is the right word to use as the day provides us all with the opportunity to sit back and reflect on all of the blessings that we have and yet, simultaneously, feel that we probably don't deserve. Sure, life deals us some lousy cards once in a while. But, as with bridge, play the hand out the best that you can and move on to the next one looking for a more positive deal.

We always hope for the best and I've found that that is the best way to be. For me, my faith constantly provides me with that feeling of hope that things will work out. Obviously, the past two years were never pictured to be as they actually turned out. But, likewise, I never would have found out the things about myself that I've come to know without this experience. I'm certainly not wishing my situation upon anyone but I am saying that there has been a silver lining within that black cloud for me.

Basically, I've stepped outside the box that I was in because, in the long run, you realize that who and what you are is what's most important and that the other things are just fluff. As a result, I've done all those things around the house for the past year that I would not otherwsie have done because they are just things. If I make a mistake - it can be fixed. That's been the biggest hurdle to overcome. If you make a mistake - don't be concerned about it just move on. Believe me, that mindset opens many doors for you.

My list of blessings is quite large - family, long time friends, my current health, the new friends that I have made this past year, the knowledge that I'm not afraid to tackle things that I've never done before, the comfort that God provides me, etc.

Those are some of mine.

Now think about yours...

Bob