Thanks For The Memories

On this day of thanks it occurred to me that almost everything I have to be thankful for is connected to a memory. Every morning I pause and give thanks for my blessings, of which there are many. They say it's good to write things down, and I believe that to be true. So I thought I would take just a moment to list a few things I am thankful for ---

MY PARENTS.  I had a wonderful childhood. We didn't always have everything we wanted. But we always had everything we needed.

MY WIFE AND SON. For ... well ... everything.

VOLUNTEERS.  My dad taught me how to fish, but it was Boy Scout leaders who taught me how to make fire, pitch a tent and put a pebble in my mouth on long hikes to stimulate saliva and lessen my thirst, which helped to conserve the water in my canteen. Thanks Ernie, Ronnie and Roger for giving your time, experience and knowledge.

FAMILY VACATIONS.  Just up the road a ways, or a thousand miles. Quality time.

SUMMER OF 1972.  The best of times.

WINTER OF 2004.  The worst of times.

DOCTORS AND NURSES WHO WORK NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS.  Saved my life in the winter of 2004.

EDWIN LAND.  Your Polaroid cameras have given me much joy for many years and an outlet for my creative energy. Even still today.

THE IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT.  For stepping in and making instant film when Polaroid stopped.

JOHN DENVER.  You wrote my life.

JOE KOPP.  For giving me my first break in radio. And for not firing me when I played The Ballad of John and Yoko.

MY BEST FRIEND.  We rock.

MY OTHER BEST FRIEND.  The miles between us have not drawn us any further apart. 

FRENCH ONION SOUP.  It's pretty much the only thing French I like.

MY HOME TOWN.  It has changed, and mostly not in a good way, but some of my best memories are here.

MUSIC.  Can't sing, can't play a note. But I love music.

GOD AND THE UNIVERSE.  There but for the grace of you go I.

There is so much more. But this seems like a good place to stop.

I wish you all the best for a great life and good fortune. Be nice to each other. Pray for peace.

  Roger O'Dea     11/27/2014