First of all I am thankful that Andy and Chito have become a part of my life. When I first decided to be their �Big Brother/Mentor� I did it mostly for them. I knew it must have been hard on them not having their dads around and all, so I figured that at least I could be a male adult figure they could talk to. I find now that they are one of the main reasons for the joy I find these days in my life. Things seemed to get a little shaky when their families figured out that I am gay, but I had already shown them the person that I am and by setting the example that I did they now seem to understand the bond the boys and I share. I mean, I can understand why they were concerned, but by helping the boys define their own identities and helping them find confidence in themselves, their families were able to see that I had only their best interests at heart. I think it�s kind of funny how I had worked with these people all those years and they still were shocked. I mean I certainly didn�t keep it some big secret. This by the way is one more thing I am happy for. That these people, including the grandparents and the boys� uncle the pastor, can see a positive example of a gay man and not a lot of stereotypical junk they show on T.V. I like to inspire positive thought.
I am also thankful for the love of Truth and beauty I have in all their forms. It brings out of me the ability to capture my perceptions on film and in writing. (although others seem to think more highly of my skills than I do myself.) It also is what makes my spirit soar when watching a play or one of the graceful sports, listening to music or just being a part of nature. I am thankful that I have seen as much of this country as I have and though I have not gone out of California for a while now, I know I will find time in the future to see the twelve states I have yet to visit. Then I can start outside of the country, including seeing more of Canada. I am Thankful for my abilities that I have been granted and the joy I can bring to others, as well as the joy that they bring me. I pray however that I never fall prey to arrogance or conceit.
I am thankful for Allen and Rosie�s happiness together since their marriage and even though they are in Virginia, it does not change the strength of my love for them. But now who will I practice Spanish with? Other than my customers that is. Oh! I�m thankful for them too. The going is slow, but with Nick, Joe and Hector giving me new words now and then I may be fluent in say twenty years? J I am thankful for all of my friends and the people in my life. I�m especially thankful to God for helping me to find the way to bring my family closer together. I never dreamed that I would be able to search my heart and mind and find that I truly do feel love for them and that they are an important part of my life.
And I am thankful that I was able to finally see Rudy skate in the world championships. It seems like Thursday took forever to get here. Way to go Rudy! Next year the gold, and actually this year�s Olympics! Which makes me also think of how he�s affected my life already. If it weren�t for me having to hand deliver the letter I wrote to him I probably wouldn�t have found my old fifth grade teacher, Mr. Williamson and been able to thank him for being a huge and positive influence back in my early youth. I know it was one of the best experiences for both of us this year. I still cant believe they all thought so highly of me back then. I am thankful for many things in my life. But most of all I am thankful to God for that life. He made it all possible.
~FIN
P.S. One thing I forgot, I am thankful that Marie went peacefully. I love you Marie and will always remember you with love and fondness. You will always be in my heart.
