Every day is a day of Thanksgiving for me.  It doesn’t happen because of having family around all the time, or a grand feast of food; but there are many blessings – great and small, and I’m learning to be thankful for them all.

First, I am thankful for family.  Parents and siblings who loved me and took care of me, taught me certain things I needed to know, warned me of dangers to avoid, and who supported and encouraged me in times when I really needed it.  Not only am I thankful for the family I grew up with, but the family of my own that I have around me as well – my wife, our children, our in-laws and grandchild.

Also, I am thankful for God.  He’s really been getting a bum rap lately, but I can tell you that He has done a lot for me this year, and I am thankful for new mercies that come every morning.  I apologize if this seems offensive because I don’t say that to offend, but I have to give credit where credit is due.  After all, He gave me a great family, and a host of good friends and neighbors.

Next, I am thankful for my job.  It can be a thankless job at times, but when I find that I have helped relieve someone of the great stress that burdened them about an issue, it makes me feel better to know they feel better, and it helps my day to get a little bit better, one happy person at a time.  I often talk about needing a second job, but I am getting help to get back on track and take some of the pressure off that can paralyze me, and often does.

I’m also thankful for some great opportunities.  As a student at the Ohio Media School, I was able to learn new skills and interact with people I never imagined I could, including Lynn Tolliver and Tony Marshall on Just the 2 of Us and Friends.  Hanging out on Saturday mornings with these guys, along with EP, Most Electrifyin, Kenya Brown the Sports Diva, and others that come around made this year a special one.  The teachers, students and staff at the Ohio Media School proved to be a great group to work with, and it’s exciting to hear of them finding opportunities to work in the field we studied and practiced for.  I’m hoping to find my way into the field sooner or later; until then, I’ll keep looking, applying and trying.

I am also thankful for social media.  Being on Facebook allowed me to interact with family and friends, and even see posts of how well they are doing.  Keep on keeping on everyone, we’re gaining momentum every day.

I’m even thankful for my church family.  It’s expanded to many churches in the area, and it’s great to be in fellowship and ministry with such a great group of saints.

Finally, I am most thankful for my wife, Machelle.  She and I have been together for over 20 years.  Through her example, I learned the meaning of the Scripture that says children are a treasure.  We need to get back to this basic, foundational truth, or there won’t be much hope for our future.  I feel so blessed to see how our son and daughter-in-law are treasuring their daughter, and they bring great cheer and humor to our lives.  Thank you, Machelle, for gently advising me on smoothing out my rough edges.  I still have some here and there, but I can’t get it right without you.  I love you, and thank you for being an important part of my life, and sharing your life with me.

Okay, I’m almost done.  Can I say one more thank you?  Thank you for reading.  Wishing you all the best and more, for a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend.

Sincerely Yours,

Hiram Crowder, aka Hi-Tecq