It’s Thanksgiving! This Sunday in church my pastor challenged everyone in church to write out a list of things they are thankful for and share them around the Thanksgiving table. I wanted to do this, but in a bit of a different way. I decided I wanted to share with you the reasons that I am thankful for all of you.
First Kathryn:
I am so thankful for your hugs when I least expect them. I am thankful for the moments we spent in my room on my bed just talking. Thanks for laughing at all the silly things I tell you. Thanks for the crazy antics and for being the best giggle buddy and dance partner I ever had. And for being the only one who knows what I mean when I say “Oh Yeah!”
Joseph:
You little genius! Thanks for being my ultimate baseball encyclopedia. I never knew I could know so much about Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, or Cale Ripkin Jr. Thanks for always being the one who never wants me to stop reading and for at random times just telling me, “You’re awesome” or “You’re my buddy”. It always makes my day.
Anna:
My courageous little sister! I have so much respect for you! Your way with horses is unmatched. Thanks for all the days of girl talk about hair, nails, and annoying brothers among other things. You are amazing at everything! Cooking, sewing, kids, cleaning, gardening, working with animals… is there anything you can’t do?! I’m telling you girl, one day, if some guy is lucky enough to survive your brothers and your father, you’re going to make an amazing wife and woman of God.
Samuel:
(Cue British Accent) ‘Ello my good fellow! I hope aat some point in your life you come to miss my awesome British accent. Thanks for always defending your food against me. I have come to the conclusion it’s because you’re worried about my figure so keep up the good work! A toast to the man who perfected the retorts of “your face” and “your mom”, I’ve been telling everybody… it’s the quiet ones you have to worry about, because when they choose to speak it’s brilliantly hilarious.
Isaac:
I’ve most definitely lost count of the times you’ve saved me from my lack of computer knowledge. Thanks for being a great listener when I’ve babbled away about everything under the sun. I will forever treasure the learning moments we had together as God taught us each the power and importance of patience. Remember the talk about Moses and the Israelites having to wait 40 years before they got to do what God promised them? I’m thinking we still got plenty of time. I am so excited to see what God has in store for you. Your perseverance and dedication to serving God by serving your country is a total inspiration to me.
Patrick:
You’ve always been more of a best friend then just a big brother. Thanks for all those phone calls about (Papa and Mrs. Meck you might want to cover your ears) about stressful parents, difficult siblings, and the troubles of growing up. Thanks for all the inside jokes, laughs, my tears, and the never-ending sibling banter. Isn’t it interesting how our lives have paralleled at some points? Thanks for all the guidance over the years (20 days has blessed you with quite the insight). I so admire your work ethic and determination. I am thrilled to be able to see how God is going to work in your life through these coming months as you approach your wedding day. You and Katie are both very dear to me.
Colin:
Though you don’t live at home anymore I appreciate the childhood stories you’ve left behind. I have been told many a story by both your parents and siblings that have made me laugh. For example I know to avoid you at all costs when you have a whole puncher within reach. It’s encouraging to see the Lord working in your life as you go on living.
Mrs. Meck:
How you manage this house with such grace and humility I will never know. Thank you for always being willing to teach me with love; helping me grow and learn. Your listening ear has been such a blessing to me. Your constant encouragement and support through the years continually reminds me of God’s faithfulness even when I fail Him and life gets difficult. You have blessed me to the point that I know I will never be able to repay you, but I want you to know that I do think of you as a second mother to me. Someone I look up to, respect, and love with all my heart.
Papa Meck:
It’s still scary to me sometimes how much you remind me of my own father. Thank you for the wisdom you’ve shared with me. Thanks for always trying to make me laugh when I’m feeling down. Thanks for the education about politics, business, biblical perspectives, and the many life lessons you’ve taught me (You know the things they don’t teach in public school). You should have seen some of my friend’s faces when I told them about your “smart” truck. It was awesome.
To conclude:
Thank you all so much for taking me into not only your home, but your family as well. Thank you for blessing me in ways I never thought possible. I love you all so much and I hope you all never forget that. A quick note to Grandma and Grandpa Heiser: Grandma, I’m sure going to miss your cooking and welcoming greetings! Grandpa Heiser, I hope you have as many international connections for jobs as you do around here or I’m doomed when it comes to finding a job. To the rest of the Heiser family, thanks for always making me smile whenever I’m with you all. Thank you all for allowing me to share another Thanksgiving with you. I’m reminding myself that Thanksgiving is more then just about time of fellowship, family, football, or even feasting. It’s about looking around the room and realizing how greatly God has blessed me.
I love you all from the bottom of my heart. Happy Thanksgiving.