Thanksgiving is that time of year where we sit back and reflect on everything we are thankful for. This year has been an exceptional year that has made me appreciate a lot of things.

I’m thankful for all the support I have in my life. My wife, family, and friends who support me through all of its ups and downs. I do set unrealistic goals, but with the support structure I have, they make me feel that anything is possible.

I had relentless parents that had unrealistic goals for me, their son with cerebral palsy. Instead of taking the path most travelled they took on the challenge of creating new pathways. They made all the sacrifices that was needed to provide an environment without boundaries. An instill toughness to endure an unforgiving world, an unfair world. They taught me to always pick myself up each time I fell. They taught me to be brave. They ingrained in me the same stubbornness they have. They instilled the blue-collar work ethic that was not afraid of hard work. They taught me to not make sense of this world, rather to understand how to make the most of this world. They didn’t feel sorry for me when I couldn't play the games other kids did. They didn’t feel sorry for me when other kids treated me badly or unfair in elementary school. They didn’t feel sorry for me when I had to figure out how to do my assignments when using a pen or pencil was not easy (and consumer technology was in its infancy stage). However, they gave me the support to bounce back and push through all those challenges. I hope the very essence of who I am today signifies the amazing job they did.( See Forever Grateful and Being Remembered , Transition To Independence - The Sh!t was about to Get Real for more)

I'm thankful to have a second family growing up that gave me amazing support too. The mother of this family (a 2nd mom to me) would call me, ”Tiger”. Over the years as I got older I asked her why she always called me Tiger. She said Tigers are brave and strong, like you. I told her that I didn’t know if I was either of those things. She said one day you will realize you are. I've not seen her for a number of years. I think of her and the family often. The two sons and I spent many happy times playing and going on vacations together. I can’t wait to see her again to tell her that today I know I am both brave and strong.

I’m thankful to have the wife I have. When she looks at me I feel like a superhero. I forget everything around me. I can take off the armour I use to protect myself from the outside world. When I’m in her arms she gives me the only armour I need. The love to continue to carry on. The fact that she has a crippled fetish is pretty awesome too. (See The One for more)

I'm thankful for the friends I have. They bring out the best and worst of me. A group of people that make you feel you belong. The most awesome jackasses a guy could ever hope for. (See The Friends You Keep for more)

The world is an unfair and challenging place. It doesn't make sense. Can you live in it? Absolutely! Cry. Be angry. Laugh. Love. Embrace. Live. Be thankful. (Live life for more)

Until next time...