Even before I started this blog I thought I had a million things I wanted to talk about. Ask my wife; I have an opinion on everything; sometimes they even make sense. But I still am finding myself having a hard time getting something down on paper, or on a computer screen in this case, for you to read. Plus then you add in the idea of being funny, not offensive, and keep people reading not only the blog but maybe for them to go buy a book as well.
Thanksgiving. Usually this is a bad time of the year for me. So much has happened during this time of the year. I've lost an uncle, father, found out my wife had breast cancer, and lost a couple jobs during this time of year. Plus then in January I get to turn another year older; and that always sucks because it just reminds you of what you haven't accomplished during the following year.
So I write this sounding like I'm going to complain but I am really going to write about all the things I am truly thankful for; and I have a bunch of things.
I have a wife that has put up with me for over twenty-eight years. None of them have been easy. But she has been there, supported me, and put up with all the craziness. Most women wouldn't and would have kicked me to the curb years ago. But she is always there every morning. Thank you.
I have a best friend and editor that is super. She will always take my calls, explain what and why I need to do something, she edits my books and does it without rewriting them and best of all she is a good friend; even if she does think I'm way too conservative! And thinks I use ! too much!
I am thankful for my two nieces. They have both grown into beautiful, intelligent, funny, sharp, young women. And they do a pretty good job putting up with their uncle on occasion. I hope for them all the blessings and success in their futures. Their parents didn't do too bad a job; sometimes in spite of themselves.
I am thankful I knew my father all those years. He was a man that was mature in his youth but always had an interesting sense of humor and was a good man. He was quiet guy that stay pretty much to himself until he retired then suddenly (although I have a feeling I know what the motivation was) became very involved in volunteer work and became known by a lot of people in the town he lived in. I also appreciate his sense of adventure; we traveled to 45 states and two other countries while I grew up. I was exposed to many parts of the country other kids I knew would never see. There are parts of the country I love and have enjoyed going back to; thanks dad. One of the greatest experiences he gave me was a trip to a Marine reunion in San Diego. I sat and watched my father having a very casual conversation with the commander of Camp Pendleton about WWII. The reverence and respect that the Marine's showed the veterans of WWII and the Korean war was impressive. Another reason I will always respect veterans and our service people; and be very thankful for their service as well.
I am thankful for my mother, all things considered, for everything she gave me. To explain would be a longer story than I would ever write in a blog. Read my books; you'll get an idea.
I am thankful for the friends I have; so of which would drop everything at a moments notice if I needed them. I would do the same for them. Everybody knows the jokes about a real friend knows where to hid the body or will be setting next to you after you've been arrested; I have a few of them, and I am really thankful for them as well. You know who you are.
I am thankful for the people who have bought my book and read this blog (although more of you could comment!) Please stay tuned for more I have one almost finished in editing (thank you Lauralynn) and I have one almost finished for her to start when she gets time. Then I will be starting a rewrite of the first Jim Benjamin story. That should be a major odyssey.
I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to be involved in drag racing. The people I have met, places I have gone, things I have experienced, the late nights working on cars, setting in staging lanes swapping stories and setups, and watching a sport grow, change, and mature. It has been fun and I hope to be back there again some day. There is nothing like the feeling of standing there at the hit when a fuel car leaves. It's one of those "It's a drag racing thing, you wouldn't understand" if you've never been there.
I am thankful for Freed-Hardeman University. I met my wife there, my best friends, and experienced things I wouldn't of if I'd been anywhere else. Sometimes I question my intelligence in going there but in the end I am glad I made the trip. There service to youth and GOD means a lot to me. I appreciate the fact it is there.
I am really thankful to GOD for dogs. I know it sounds funny but I have two of the best right now and my wife and I have had a few in the past that truly make me smile and remember the personalities and fun we have had with them. Not feels better than a warm nose nuzzling you for attention.
Finally I am thankful for Christ; if you don't know why you need to find out!
I know there are things and people I have left out (or think they have been left out) but you really have not been. I appreciate all of my experiences, good or bad, because they have made me what and who I am today. Plus they have given me a bunch of good stuff for books down the line.
Peace, have a great thanksgiving and don't stuff on turkey.
