This kid is thankful for (among other things):
(1) The twin truths that unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and that "He will save His people from their sins."
(2) Doc for his generosity with his time, talents (abilities), and talents (money) to this truly special web community. Our communities at large need more like it and fewer that bicker, talk past each other, and vilify those who think differently than themselves.
(3) All my friends here. Moe mentioned me, so I will say 2016 has been the year that saw the birth of an enjoyable online friendship with Mayor Keith. I appreciate all those who bear with my reminesces and find some joy in joining in.
(4) A year that has turned in wholly unexpected directions on a number of life-changing fronts. A year that has seen the heights of joy and the depths of despair, and that is no exaggeration. It contained the birth of our two grandsons, sandwiched around a January day in which from a hospital bed I said farewell words to this life and to my family, only to receive a reprieve from the Lord. It contained the sudden opportunity to sell our house and, by April of 2017 move into a new house bought by our daughter and son-in-law as renters, which in turn will allow my longsuffering wife to retire. It contained unimagineable and at times unbearable grief with one of our adult children. But in the words of Job, "Shall we accept good from God and not evil?"
(5) My longsuffering wife, our two daughters, their husbands and babies, and our son.
A hearty Merry Chrismas to all my friends who celebrate it, and to those who don't, Happy Holidays. In the immortal words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us every one!"