Thankful...

Thanksgiving week...

Thankful for the gift of life on this earth..I know it's the broad statement but right now it works for me..
I take a breath and think of just how many muscles it takes to do so, to take this breath, to have the organs and brain coordinate beyond human understanding.  Dear God, thank you for the amazingness of the human body.  Yes, it breaks down...it succumbs to gravity, it weakens...it perishes..but we/I must take, stop, envelope the moments when a deep breath is all I need to propel to me thankfulness..
I am thankful for a daughter who along with many of her classmates completed a play; "Stage Door" at her school.  4 nights of great concentration, focus, delivery, adrenaline, exhaustion, adrenaline, exhaustion again.  The rehearsals..the set building..what an effort.  And yes, Dad helped with the set, with the production of the nights, except Saturday..in which I attended a sweet family wedding. 
As I watched Abbey perform the leading role for the three nights I attended, I thought so much of how proud Becky would be.  There she was, her daughter in only her second production handling an immense role, immense dialogue and character layering...Abbey's confidence was evident..even though the nervousness was also percolating, but not an eyes wide open nervousness..just the usual walk on stage nerves that actually seemed to exit the moment she appeared and I think they did.  Becky honey, you were there with her...Abbey girl was stellar.  And big thanks to the cast..for some scenes with her classmates that were also stellar...she has a great group of senior friends that certainly embrace the stage.  The underclassmen did a fine job also..very fine.  Abbey loves, loves the camaraderie amongst the thespian landscape...it just has good vibe to her.  Will she do more stage work?  AHHHH...yes of course..the bite has happened..we shall see what is next.  College ...yes college!  Coming soon..the applications are being 'clicked' away...Wow, what a process.  A new world awaits..and it appears it will be back south...!  It truly does..she is excited and yes, nervous about this new chapter...is it right? Will I, (Abbey) like where I go?  Well, let us go and see...
I am thankful for her willingness to go east..I am excited about it..I am...
I am thankful she has the confidence to go..the fortitude..the vision and maturity to want something different..she wants to feel the east coast..New York, DC, Atlanta..other cities..while she attends her school..I am thankful that family and some sweet friends will be near her and many have offered a haven of rest and peace should she need it.  This is indeed so reassuring...
So let's give thanks for a new adventure!

I am thankful for health...so very thankful!
For being able to help a friend ..to offer a few days of respite and renewal..
For seeing grass grow in my backyard..yeah, seeing those seeds finally mature...now I gotta really work on the front yard..I just got to think about watering every now and then.
I am thankful for a Scottish Terrier that is loyal.has a stubborn side, but again, just likes to be around our feet...the rascal is a funny dude, but he has been a source of laughter and yes soothing comfort on some hard days...especially during Becky's illness.
I am thankful for a heartfelt church service today...good, good stuff...
I am thankful for my man cave....really thankful for this room of therapeutic wonder...
I am thankful I can still do a few MC/DJ gigs...still serve in this manner...still haul the equipment,, but with the help of a trusted friend...
I am thankful for the many gigs I have done in the LA/Hollywood area..I suppose I can say some have been an almost fulfillment of a dream..just to work in Hollywood..and I did...Becky was always so supportive of me..she would tell me to promote myself more..'show em' honey'..
Now, I am thankful that I can see other dreams..other visions...I am thankful that change can occur..it may seem uncertain at times..even now there is uncertainty to my mature dreams...but hey, so be it..let's just see what happens..
I am thankful for a childhood that saw many happy Thanksgivings..truly Norman Rockwell stuff...
Just good simple living..good family, friends..food..fun, but yes, frustrations, but mostly just a simple childhood that never felt threatened, invaded...strife filled...and even if it was there..I didn't understand it..and that's probably the blessing of a brain and soul still being formed..ya just can't absorb or process the full effect of trials...sounds strange I know..but I think the not-understanding has validity..

I am thankful I can hear sweet music..so thankful...
I am thankful to see a day so clear as it truly was in LA today and the past few days..that I still stop and admire the beauty of the mountains..the hillsides..even the tall skyscrapers...the many houses on a hillside..
I am SO thankful for a certain stem cell donor in Germany...that is an earth angel... she will forever be etched in our family history..and I know one day soon, Abbey and I will met her and family...
Well, I'll cease for now..I could continue this thankful menu as I am sure you could also on your menu.
I thank God..that I can write this..and I am deeply thankful there is a promise of paradise...beyond what is seen here.. it takes faith to see accept this promise....thank you faith...thank you...

Onward forward..Do Celebrate this life...enjoy your family and friends this Thanksgiving.  Laugh, get serious, solve problems..but then have another light moment or two...as you expel the oft' heard words:
"I ate too much, I always do!"..then two hours later you are perhaps back for more pecan or pumpkin pie...

Much Love to you all...I am thankful for those of you still reading this online journal of a journey that still wants to be documented...

Bill