Tomorrow, we’re tucking in to what is sure to be a magnificent meal at my parents’ condo. It will feature the standards, and some not-so-standards. My gang of five will be there, as will my grandfather, my parents, and my sister and her family. Without question, it will be a great time and I’m looking forward to it greatly.

So I’ll take this brief moment to look back on the past year and give some thanks:

I’m thankful for all of the love shown to me during the last year by everyone.

I’m thankful for my kids and all of the joy and wonder and exuberance they bring to my life.

I’m thankful for my parents for continuing to try to point me in the right direction in my life and for still being parents, because we all need that constant source of love and support. And I’m thankful for just being able to pick up the phone and talk to them whenever I want to.

I’m thankful for great memories of my grandmother, because while I miss her, she’s never far away.

I’m thankful for a job that puts food on the table, a roof over our heads, and lets us live more comfortably than so many people on this planet can.

I’m thankful for breathing clearly.

I’m thankful for the computers and toys I’ve surrounded myself with in my life, because I really do love playing with them.

I’m thankful for my cat, because even though she’s very old and noisy and difficult at times, she still looks to me for love and comfort.

I’m thankful for humor, and joy, and wisdom, and sadness, and curiosity, and everything that makes us all so different from one another.

I’m thankful for the regular e-mails from my grandfather ultimately telling me that no matter what, life goes on and that this too–whatever “this” may be–shall pass.

I’m thankful for great food.

I’m thankful for this platform to open my thoughts to anyone who cares to read them. And I’m thankful to those of you who read it and continue to come back just to read what I write here.

And I’m thankful for my wife. Because she’s my dream and my grounding, my partner and co-conspirator, and never ceases to amaze me. She’s beautiful and witty and charming, and I’m so thrilled with the accomplishments we’ve made together.

Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone. Enjoy your meal and time with your loved ones.

See you tomorrow.