Gay Conservative

Instead of my typical political ranting, I’m not going to write anything political today.  I’m going to write about the things in life that I have to be grateful for, things I fear I take for granted far too often.  I got to thinking last night about how much I complain about the things in my little world that I don’t like, and realized that I have quite a lot to be thankful for.

I’m thankful to have a job.  I’m a fraud investigator, back with the bank that I started with in 1998, hired for the third time after twice leaving to take jobs in corrections (jobs I never liked).  I’m winning awards for my work and I’m being eyed by managers in other departments to take on positions that normally take years to work your way into.

I’m thankful to have a home.  I have a spacious bedroom with a warm bed and a big desk and a computer that my dad and I built together for Christmas last year.  I have a yard to practice martial arts in and a pool to swim laps in, and two roommates to keep me entertained endlessly (not to mention an awesome cat and four dogs, all of whom are thrilled when I come home every day).

I’m thankful for my family.  Both of my parents are still alive and kickin’, even though they’re divorced, and I have relatives in Texas and California that I love dearly.  My “little” brother is home for the holidays this year instead of being deployed; my niece, Delaney, was born happy and healthy on July 29, and I have an awesome sister-in-law whom I can’t wait to meet in person tomorrow.

I’m thankful for my friends.  My old church friends who have come back into my life again, my little gay family (including my two roommates) that always keeps me on my toes, and my coworkers both past and present who always make me smile (Betty Crocker and the frog convention!).

I’m thankful for forgiveness.  A person whom I never expected to hear from again came back into my life this year, and we’ve been able to forgive the past and become friends again, something I never believed possible.  It has made me reconsider the way I think about a lot of things, including forgiving others who have wronged me and those close to me.

I’m thankful to be an American.  Not just any American–a TEXAN.  I’m thankful that my country is still strong despite the struggles we’ve faced and that I’m here to help pass our freedom on to my nieces and nephews.  I’m thankful to have an excuse for being ornery (Texan for bull-headed and stubborn).

I’m thankful for football, good aged whiskey, time to sit and savor a good pipe, and books.  I’m thankful for my ability to play guitar, good hair days, and my good health.  I’m thankful for all of you who join us every day, even the ones I don’t necessarily agree with.  It shows that we’re free and unafraid to speak our minds in a world where so many aren’t allowed such a freedom.  I enjoy sharing my thoughts with you guys.  You’re awesome.

Wherever you are, have a happy Thanksgiving.  Raise a glass and think of all the things we have to be happy about.