My Holiday Card Was a “Thank You”

Today’s Quote of the Day states we are only truly alive when we are “conscious of our treasures.” Those who know me might joke that I’ve been blessed with an overly-heightened consciousness—so quick am I to tear up with an almost overwhelming awe and appreciation for the grace, beauty and generosity that surrounds me.

So, it seems only natural that a trip to buy holiday cards would find me reaching for a box of Thank You notes. Had I listed all the reasons I am grateful--as other family cards recount the past year’s milestones--my friends would be receiving theirs in mid-summer (if ever). I only share a few of them here, in the hopes that readers never miss a moment to simply say, “Thank You.”

I thank them for making me a better man. And a best friend.

I thank them for the laughter that has left me in tears.

And for their shoulder when I’ve shed sorrowful ones.

I thank them for those times they have lent me an ear. Or $20. (And for instinctively knowing which I needed when.)

I thank them for suffering through my petty grievances—even when some themselves were suffering from grave illness.

I thank them for trusting just how much I love them (as there simply aren’t the words to tell them).