Happy Thanksgiving

Although some of us have to grind the proverbial mill stone for this holiday it is still a time to reflect on ones life and rejoice and be thankful for what one has and hopefully be able to share that with others.  It is unfortunate that for most of us we have a tendency to focus on the things we dislike or do not look forward to.  I have an exam coming up; I have to do this particular chore; I have to work this particular shift; I have to drive over the pass in the snow and it is going to be a pain, and so on.  We have a tendency to focus on the negatives instead of the positives we have; looking forward to being with family; looking forward to a vacation; looking forward to being with friends; looking forward to the summer camping season starting again and so on.  It is interesting that we look back on the fond memories (which we didn't realize were fond at the time) and seldom look forward to new ones.  We have taken a senior staff crew to Mexico several times in the past 10 years and you don't realize how great that was until you talk about it later.  I am annoyed today because I have to work, but I am looking forward to the football game(s) this weekend when I get a chance to watch my favorite sport live and be with good friends.

So today I will reflect on my life and be thankful for the things I have.  I am thankful for my health (at least so far), I am thankful for my education and for the people who encouraged me and made it possible for me to have the education that I have.  I am thankful for the opportunities that I have had; some which were lucky to come my way and some that were offered to me and others which I pursued.  I am thankful for the skills that I have as well as the opportunities to develop them.  Most importantly, I am thankful for my friends....a seemingly ever expanding pool of individuals.

I have mentioned before that Camp Parsons has been a focal point for most things in my life and that is no different when it comes to my friends.  Almost everyone who has been a good friend of mine has spent some time at camp; whether it was working on staff, being part of the adult work party or just visiting for a weekend during the season or during the off season.  From high school to college and beyond this has been a centerpiece for me.  Some may think that is sad........but for me it has been a wonderful continuum and a point in which to bring different friends of mine together.  It is another reason why I consider that small part of the Hood Canal my proverbial "home".  Indeed, if I was not working today I probably would be up there by myself, cooking a small dinner and sitting out on the deck in the wind and the rain and be a happy, thankful little camper enjoying all that was around me.

Finally, I am thankful for the young men and women who have worked for me in the past.  They have brought life to our facility and joy to the many scouts who have attended, all of whom were probably thankful for the opportunity.  So to all of my friends.......Happy Thanksgiving!