Today, in the USA, is the day we designate as Thanksgiving. It is a day to give thanks for all of the blessings that we have in our lives.

At the top of my list is, of course, my wife and the home we share. I can’t imagine who I would be without her in my life. After 23 years together, everything good about my life boils down to what she adds to it.

There are others that I’m also thankful for – most of all those who are part of my life because they choose to be. I’ve often heard it said that there are two kinds of family, those you are born to and those who choose to stand with you. The next three ladies I’m going to specifically mention have chosen to stand with me, even though they have often had reasons to step away. Because they are all special, I’m just going to list them in the order I met them.

Which means, the very first is Christie. She was the first childhood memory I have outside of my biological family. My parents bought the house next door to her family in 1967, and she was not only my neighbor but a classmate. When others picked on me or belittled my small stature, she was always kind and encouraging. Even after 55 years, she still stays in touch with me, and I know I’m not always the easiest person to talk to. So, thank you. If there is ever anything you need me for, you can count on me to do everything in my power to be there for you.

The next person is the first ex-Scientologist I made friends with after my wife and I chose to leave that organization. Despite the fact that she came from a very successful family and was a respected artist in her own right, she has always related to me like an equal. Eibhlin, even though we’ve never met face-to-face, you are as much a sister to me as any of my biological siblings. Thank you.

Finally, but by no means least, is Anita. The first time we met, your grace and poise impressed me. Nothing ever seemed to fluster you. For 3 weeks you shared your home with me while your husband Les helped me confirm something about myself we were all fairly certain was true. While I’m no where near the artist that Eibhlin is, you were grateful for a pencil sketch I did of the view I could see through your windows. Since then, you’ve always been a rock that I could share nearly any concern with. You are the older sister I never had, and I’m always going to be thankful that you’re part of my life.

So, for the 60th Thanksgiving of my life, what I’m most grateful for is family – mostly those who didn’t have to be my family but have made the choice to stand with me anyway. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.