Thankfulness

So it’s cliché to even say it’s cliché, but this year I’m thankful for:

• All the people and events in my life that have led me to start going back to church.
• Chris and I being at the exact right place and time to possibly save a man’s life. We were driving around fairly aimlessly. We were looking for a pub, but not one in particular and weren’t in an area we frequent. Chris noticed that the Vespa in front of us was swerving erratically. He was sure the guy was drunk and advised me to put some distance between us. I did so and a minute later the guy wipes out, his bike flying into the oncoming traffic, his person rolling on the ground. We stopped, put on our hazards, and went to his aid. People drive like maniacs on South Grand and this guy was really fortunate. We pulled him and his bike to the side of the road and talked with him for a bit. He told us in a confused voice that he was an alcoholic and that his sponsor would be really angry. He said his mother was worried about him too. Chris drove the bike and followed as I drove the man to his apartment. On the way he kept asking who we were and if we were going to steal his bike. When he finally realized that we were just trying to help him get home he softened up and almost started crying. He told me he was HIV positive. I didn’t know what else to say other than ask if there was anything else I could do for him other than just driving him home. He told me he just wanted to call his mom and tell her that he was okay.
• Seeing Annie, who was in town this past weekend.
• My amazingly patient friends and their advice, which I finally accepted.
• Playing with my niece, Lilley, and hanging out with the whole family together.
• Unexpected warm words from a friend early Thanksgiving morning.
• Meeting a whole room full of new friends at Peter’s place Sunday night.
• Amanda’s Birthday party. Thanks for the pizza, and I love your new house in Dogtown.
• Hanging out a bunch this weekend with Aaron and Jaime and meeting the other Jaime.
• Movie night with another new friend, Misti.
• Chatting with Kara about church and life. We definitely should do coffee or lunch soon.
• Brenda coming by my desk at work Wednesday, getting on her knees, looking me in the eye, and saying the warmest words I heard that day and at a time when I really needed the encouragement. I’ve never had an HR manager like you.
• My buddies Chris and Dan. You guys make work enjoyable and have always been there for me. I’d block a bullet for ya.
• All my other friends not mentioned. Trust me, I’ve been thinking about you and I hope your Thanksgivings were delicious.

In short…my life has literally changed in the past couple of weeks.

Tags: Personal, Religion