500 words on Thanksgiving Day

I am thankful for the oceans and will do what I can to protect them so many more people can see why underwater is my favorite place in the world.

I am thankful for LOST and will watch every episode this spring as I finally have to say good-bye knowing that nothing so wonderful can last forever.

I am thankful for my education and recognize that not every child is as fortunate and I was and I will never take for granted the gift I received.

I am thankful for Country music, despite how it’s derided it reminds me that the simple things in life are often the most important in a powerful way that brings a diverse group of different white people together from all over a few parts of the country.

I am thankful for traveling and the opportunities I’ve had to see different parts of the world knowing that just a few generations ago my trips would’ve been impossible and will make travel an important part of my life.

I am thankful for the New Orleans Saints who have given me an amazing season that has brought together family and friends and I am looking forward to a historic year shared with my loved ones.

I am thankful for first time experiences that remind me that there is a lot more to do and live for, from this year’s first trip to the firing range to my first lobster dive.

I am thankful for remote controls so I can change the channel when the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade gets ridiculous and Al Roker makes unforgivable puns, but I will spend less time with the remote and instead with those friends and experiences that can’t be paused, recorded, and played-back.

I am thankful for my nieces and nephews who always surprise me with their wit and energy and look forward to being the kind of uncle who always has a role in their lives.

I am thankful for books and words. The impact of the written word on my life is profound and I am hoping to give words a more important place in my life.

I am thankful for Los Angeles. This is a city that is much maligned, but rich with culture and experiences. It is 80 degrees as I write this so I could be spending my Thanksgiving Day at the beach, or I could log on to Twitter and find the closest gourmet food truck and pick-up Thanksgiving dinner for under $10.

I am thankful for my family –extended and natural. While I appreciate the sacrifices, love, and support of my parents, this year I am particularly thankful for my brothers. These amazing men are my heroes, balancing the role of father, husband, and provider while giving their children memories that will last them forever. That I am fortunate to be included in their families in the greatest gift I could ever hope for and I will strive to do the same for them.