Things I Am Thankful For

With upon us, it is time to reflect on what we are thankful for.  Here are my Top Five:

5. Kim Kardashian

Before I became the father of a child with special needs, I had much more of my own time. I stayed current on pop culture as I watched a lot more TV back then, and kept up with the entertainment news every day. These days, I am way too busy for that. But every now and then, I still catch bits and pieces of information. 

I see that everything that Kim Kardashian does somehow passes for big news in the pop culture world these days. And when I see that, I am thankful.

I am thankful that I am no longer spending time on things that I now realize are rather trivial in the big scheme of things. I am thankful that I am making better use of my time. I am thankful that my life is more fulfilling. 

So, thanks, Kim Kardashian. You’ve helped provide me with a lot of perspective.

4. Losing Chicago Sports Teams

While my pop culture days are behind me, I still try to keep up with my favorite sports teams. But the days of watching every game, or even a handful of games, are long gone.

And so I am thankful that our local sports teams don’t make me pine for the old days when I could watch an entire game at leisure.

Thank you, White Sox, for bringing so much overpriced talent to Chicago.  Never once did Adam Dunn make me regret not watching a single Sox game this year.

Thank you, Cubs, for continuing your century-plus of futility. (Though, Theo Epstein, you appear to be too capable for my own good.)

And thank you, greedy NBA players and owners, for not even playing the games that I’d be tempted to see.

Now that I’ve gotten you to read this far with the mention of Kim Kardashian and the Cubs, I want to recognize just a few of the people in my life that I am sincerely thankful for. 

3. Special Education Professionals

The teachers and therapists who work with are amazing. We are truly thankful that there are so many dedicated professionals who are working so hard for our son. It takes a certain kind of person to work with kids with special needs. The patience, enthusiasm, and skills that they have are incredible. And, I’ve yet to meet one that hasn’t seemed like an all-around good person, too. 

So, thanks, all of you who work with my son. You give us hope every day that he will be able to lead a productive life.

1b. My Son

As with raising any child, but perhaps to a greater degree with a child with special needs, there are and .

The challenging times are tough, but I realize that I am better off for having experienced them. I’ve gained patience. (Well, a little bit, anyway. I’m still working on that.) I’ve become more understanding, having gained the perspective of seeing things through my son’s eyes, which is usually very unique.

Of course, the good times are particularly wonderful, perhaps because we take nothing for granted. Every bit of progress is celebrated. And seeing my son smile, hearing his laughter, and experiencing his full-of-life enthusiasm – well, nothing tops that.

And so, I am thankful for my son, a boy that has made my life more incredible than I could have ever imagined.

1a. My Wife

The stresses we deal with sometimes bring out the worst in us. But it also can bring out the best. Having a partner who can tolerate your worst while helping to bring out the best is invaluable. The mutual support during tough times, and having someone to share in the triumphant moments is fantastic. And so, I am very thankful to my wife, who has been the best partner I could imagine.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!