Though there has been no shortage of trials and tribulations for everyone this year, there’s always something to be thankful for. Looking for those bright spots can help make the tough times easier. And no matter who you are, odds are that you have something to be thankful for. I thought I’d share some of the things that I am grateful for with you.
I’m thankful that I get to wake up next to the woman I love. I get to look over every morning and see the person I fell in love with all those years ago, my bride, the mother of our wonderful child. I’m thankful that she said ‘yes’ when I asked her to marry me on that island we paddled to, in the short break from that torrential rain. I’m thankful for all the miles we logged together, by foot, by paddle, truck, or airplane. I’m thankful that she thought that catching a few fish during our wedding was a good idea. I’m thankful for any time I get to spend with her.
I’m thankful for our son, whose sense of wonder is boundless. I’m thankful for how excited he gets to go camping, fishing, or just spend time with me outside. I’m thankful for all the days we spend on the water together, even if most of our time is spent chasing frogs. He grows in leaps and bounds each day, but I’m fortunate that he still thinks Dad is cool. I’m thankful that he likes to listen to my stories. I’m thankful that he likes to read to me.
I’m thankful that our family gets to have dinner together most nights, even though our schedules are so busy. I’m thankful for all of our adventures, extraordinary and more mundane. From once in a lifetime road trips across Alaska to afternoons at the local pond catching some sunnies, I value it all. I cherish the memories we’ve made. I’ve adorned the walls in my office with pictures of our time spent together, a reminder of the good times when responsibilities call me away. “Hey Dad! Remember that time we floated the river? It was awesome.” It was, son. It was.
I’m thankful that I get to write about fishing everyday. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend the majority of my career in natural resources, working to help care for the places that have brought me so much enjoyment. I’m so glad I get to share that excitement with others, and hope that they will find the same enjoyment that I do. Hopefully, I’ve helped some people find joy on the water, and inspired a few new anglers along the way.
I’m thankful for all of you that visit Wired2fish. Those of you that read the articles and watch the videos we produce makes all of this possible. Thank you all for reading. And please keep tuning in. We’ll do our best to teach you new techniques, help you catch a few more fish, and keep you entertained.
I’ll go to bed tonight in a warm house, with the people I love more than anything. And that’s plenty to be thankful for.
