My mind simply goes to my heart this Thanksgiving Eve.  This tradition of gathering around with our family and friends to enjoy a special meal that is prepared for the occasion, brings into my thoughts the real spirit of this holiday.

Our nation and world continues to feel the weight of a severe economic crisis, the continuing wars abroad and the fight for equality for many of us.  Yet, amidst all of this seemingly chaotic, dismal environment I have found thankfulness in my life.

I am thankful for a partner who has weathered the storms of life with me for the past 11 years and we find ourselves still growing.  Through it I have found love and found that it is not stagnant but forever growing and changing as we change.  I marvel at this continual discovery and I am grateful for him.

I am grateful for four wonderful children who weathered a divorce and a dad coming out of the closet.  Tumultuous times came upon all of us but we were able to rely on love. That pulled us through all these years and into the happiness we enjoy now.  They are the treasure of my heart.

I can not say enough about my mother and my siblings. They and their families have been anchors to me. This last year we all reunited because of the death of a sister-in-law, but out of that sadness we have become closer.  I ma thankful for them.

I am surrounded by friends across all walks of life in a sea of true diversity. I am enriched and strengthened by them.  I give them special thanks because without them I would have never been able to navigate the rough waters of life or celebrate the best moments of life.

I love my job and this life in the bay area.  It is home to me.  I am so filled with thankfulness for this place.

Thanksgiving is my song today, tomorrow and the rest of my life.