What I'm Thankful For: Part 2 - Things Close to Me

This is the second in a series of a blog posts dedicated to giving thanks. The first post included things I'm thankful for in our society and the world. This second post will include things close to me such as family and friends. The final post will include things about myself.

Things I am Thankful for that are Close to Me

• My parents. Does anyone really appreciate their parents like they should? Sure, you love them more than anything else in the world. But, it's not until you've grown up and moved out that you start to understand their wisdom and their sacrifice. I think my parents are just about perfect. They are successful in their careers, dedicated to the Church, educated, cultured, world travelers, musical, giving, wise, humble. I could on and on. I share the most hobbies with my father and love to discuss so may ideas with him. However, I've recently come to the conclusion that my personality is a lot like my mother's--quiet, frugal, careful, intellectual.
• My siblings. My siblings have made me who I am almost as much as my parents have. Almost every memory I have of my childhood involves my siblings. After Sheri's death I realized that I don't take advantage of the great blessing it is to have good siblings. I get along well with all of them, but we aren't as close as I feel we should be. Rita speaks to each of her siblings in Canada several times a week. I speak to some of mine fewer times than that a year. This blog is, in part, a conscious effort on my part to be closer to my family by sharing with them at least a glimpse into my life.
• Rita. There is no way I can explain in this post how great Rita has been for me--I'd need a series of posts just to scratch the surface. She is easily the thing I'm most thankful for. She helps me in countless ways and inspires me to be better. I often take her for granted and sometimes treat her like my child-care colleague instead of my eternal companion. I admire her and find it greatly rewarding whenever I'm able to help her. She is the epitome of selflessness. Everyone loves Rita.
• My kids. I know that people always think their own kids are great, but I really do think that by any objective assessment I have great kids. Todd is full of a million hidden talents and is never intimidated or shy. Kenna will take on any project and see it through to completion, and she makes everything funner when she is around. Alec is a great "celebrator" in that he gets happy at even small things, and also can never stay sad or mad for more than about 30 seconds. They get along well with each other and love me unconditionally.
• My extended family. I know a lot of people that have cousins they hate, aunts and uncles they don't get along with, or in-laws they can't be in the same room with. So, I appreciate the great relationship I have with my extended family, especially my in-laws. Rita's parents have been in Salt Lake on a mission for the the last year and a half. It has been a joy having them so close. We also recently spent a few days with Rita's sisters and it was so much fun.
• My ward and neighborhood. Service in the Church has been very rewarding to me precisely because of the great people in our ward. I have been fortunate to work with just about the best people I can imagine. The best friendships that Rita and I have outside of our own families are with our current or former neighbors.
• My job. I couldn't think of a better job if I tried. I get to work on some really cool projects with some very fun people. My job duties utilize my esoteric skills perfectly. I have a very flexible schedule and can work from home whenever I need to. It's a bit flattering when I get the occasional call from a recruiter, but they haven't ever offered a position that's better than the one I have now.

It feels like I'm cutting this post ridiculously short--there are so many other people and things I'm thankful for--but I think I've covered the most important areas: Family and friends. When it's all said and done, your relationship with the people close to you is the most important thing of all.