What I'm thankful for

I feel like I'm about to write a report for the third grade, but before the day gets too hectic, I wanted to sit down and think about everything for which I am grateful. I think I'm like most people in that I don't really "celebrate" the first Thanksgiving (there's just way too much baggage attached to the history of it), but, rather, I take this day to reflect on the blessings in my life. I really am thankful for everything every single day that I wake up, but I don't think I express it enough. So, here I am, being official.

First and foremost, I am thankful and grateful for the man I love. Ever since Orlando entered my life, I've felt incredibly blessed and happier than I ever thought possible. He's made me discover a part of myself that I never thought existed. In past relationships, I've recognized the selfishness inside me that never really allowed me to put anyone else completely ahead of myself. In fact, I'm still that way to a certain extent with my friends. But Orlando is the first person I can honestly say I would do absolutely anything for without hesitation. Because of him I finally understand what it really means to love someone selflessly and to be loved in return. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I hope that this is the first of many, many Thanksgivings that we will spend together.

I'm thankful that my mom is healthy and still as vibrant as I ever remember her being. She's so happy, so supportive and such a source of strength for me when I need her. The two of us have been through a lot together and I don't know what I'd do without her in my corner. If I had become a father, I would have wanted to be the kind of parent to my child that Mom is to me. She's very special and I don't feel I let her know nearly enough. I'm also grateful that she adores Orli (she tells her friends that he's an ideal son-in-law) and is so accepting of my life. I know how very, very lucky I am that she doesn't share the views my father had of me. Speaking of, I'm still thankful the bastard's dead. I bet the turkey in Hell is really dry.

I'm grateful for Peter. He's been my best friend for 22 years - though we were estranged for over a decade when I married Talia. But the day I went to him after all that time, he took me back as if no time had passed. He helped me to come out, he was there for me when I was at my lowest point, and I can never forget that. I know that he thinks I don't have room for him in my life, anymore, but that's only his perception because, for the first time ever, there is another man who's first in my heart. I will always need Pete in my life and I hope he can realize that one day.

I am very thankful for all of my friends. I do have to single out Logan for his unwavering support during my confrontation with Kevin because that was literally a life or death situation. If not for him and Orli, I would be dead and unable to be babbling right now, so... Yeah. Wes, Snake, Iris, Mac, Ray, Ynez... I really want to list out absolutely everyone, but I'll accidentally leave off someone's name and feelings would get hurt, so I'll just say that you know if you're my friend. And if you are my friend, I would like to get mushy for a second and say thank you for everything you have given me. Thank you for the humor, the conversation, the support and the understanding. I love you guys.

I'm thankful for my health, my wealth and the life I have. I'm grateful for all of the opportunities I have, the ones I'll make, and the fact that I can look around every day and appreciate what I do have instead of lamenting what I don't.

Oh, and I'm still really grateful that I don't have to pay alimony anymore.

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate. For those of you who don't, Happy Thursday. Much love.