A time to be thankful

I didn't post a blog last week. I got caught up in the holiday rush. Cooked my own turkey on Wednesday, celebrated with the family on Thursday, got the Christmas tree on Friday, decorated the tree and the house on Saturday, and tied up the loose ends on Sunday before the second part of the holiday rush begins. I think everyone can relate.

Yesterday I was looking for a contact that once worked in farming publications. I was conducting a quick Internet search and came across this blog, Prairie Gleanings. Only days after losing his 2-year-old son, one writer was sharing his thoughts with his farming readers. After reading it, I sat and looked at the screen for a few seconds. I thought about the difficult phone call I made to a college friend roughly 12 years ago after he had lost his newborn because of a heart condition. I imagined my own home and what it would sound like without my 12-year-old son or 9-year-old daughter. I wondered how people are able to move on with their lives after such a loss and not lash out at the world with anger and hatred.

The real world doesn't stop for anyone, and a phone call or the sound of something being thrown into the inbox woke me from my temporary stupor. However, I maintained a different perspective for the rest of the day and still do even now. I have plenty to be thankful for.

Let's begin with the metal fabricating community The FABRICATOR and its sister magazines cover. You are the best and the brightest this country has to offer. You create real value in the products your companies make. You are not a parasite that feasts off the success of others; you determine whether the day was a success or not simply based on whether quality parts were shipped out the door on time.

For the most part, you are humble individuals as well. People might underestimate you after an initial meeting, but you have wisdom that most can benefit from.

I'm also thankful for my co-workers. They are an enjoyable bunch. The editors, graphic artists, production personnel, circulation staff, and advertising sales force all contribute to produce outstanding publications and electronic products. Working with a talented group like this makes the 50-minute commute each morning worth it.

I'd be remiss without saying I'm thankful for my family. I spend about nine hours a day with my co-workers, but it's the 20 minutes at the dinner table with the family that I look forward to most each day. The thought of not being able to re-create that setting is frightening.

Some other things I'm thankful for: a roof that doesn't leak, good health for me and the family, a furnace that works, my job, my wife's job, and good friends. That's pretty much a complete list.

Be safe and thankful this Christmas season.