Important People

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for important people.

New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet, no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights. ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

As I peruse the list of "important" people who died this year, I realize that the media forgot some notable names. None are celebrities or athletes or billionaires. They are simply humans and canines who matter to people who matter to me:

• My dad
• My work colleague, Pete
• Kathleen's mother
• Cortney's grandmother
• Judy's mother
• Kelly's brother
• Sage (Kathleen and Steve's beloved Australian Shepherd)
• Greta (CS's beloved Weimaraner)
• Ted Eastburn

The holidays just weren't the same without them. 

For these blessings, I am grateful.

Amen.

Merry Christmas

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for Christmas.

 I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. 

~Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol 

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

This Christmas Day, I pause to remember some of the good things in my life:

• T is doing well.
• S and I are healthy and able to climb several times a week.
• I have a job, a wonderful manager and health insurance.
• My cup runneth over a little bit which means I can give to others less fortunate than I. My cause in 2011 is hunger in our community. I wish I could give a lot more.
• My sister, E, who, despite the distance between us, always remembers to include me in her life
• Our "family" at the climbing gym - not just the owners but all the climbers we've met who care about us
• Our Air Force Academy cadets who, as juniors and seniors, are now highly accomplished men in all areas of life.

Wishing everyone, everywhere a lovely holiday season. Merry Christmas!

For these blessings, I am very grateful.

Amen.

Happy Birthday, T

Dear God:

Today, I am thankful for T as he celebrates his 14th birthday. He is still a svelte 72 pounds who enjoys his daily walks in the neighborhood, snowy days and lots of treats. Always the lover boy, T remains very popular with all humans and younger canine buddies.

T on his 14th birthday

I think that this Navajo chant is T's daily prayer because he lives each day with such delight:

May it be delightful my house;
From my head may it be delightful;
To my feet may it be delightful;
Where I lie may it be delightful;
All above me may it be delightful;
All around me may it be delightful.
~Navajo chant 

For this blessing, I am very, very grateful.

Amen.