Here’s what I’m thankful for this year.
“My family and friends are the best things I’ve known, through the eye of a needle I’d carry them home.” – (‘Minutes to Memories’- John Mellencamp)
**Amazing parents, sister and grandparents who were the best guiding lights I could’ve ever asked for. Despite them being long gone, their influence remains with me to this day.
**My niece Dei, Nephew Mike and their wonderful families. Their father Jack Nagy was so good to my sister Maryanne throughout her life.
**Loving family dogs and kitties who brought so much fun to my life. Coach, Prissy, Squeaks, Bambi, Molly, Minnie, Bugger, Sonny Boy, Daisy, Dudley and Trouble.
**Dear friends who are family to me. Bobbo and I have been brothers from other mothers for fifty-one years. Marko, with whom we’ve shared more music and sports moments than either of us can count. My pals Phil and Todd who’ve been yearslong constants as well. And my song parody Al Flash. With Al, how many people can say they bonded with someone when both of us were in our fifties and we’ll be like this until our last day?
**Growing up with the Swain-Mitchell boys. Staying in close touch with them for so many years means the world to me. And Tommy Hassler & Jerry Dhamer, you two are missed by all.
**The departed Lee Swanson, my friend and mentor whose guidance brought me to working with Larry Lujack and my radio career from there continued. And what a fun radio career it was! My close friendship with Uncle Lar until his last day was another blessing.
**Others from my days in radio who continue to be friends. Jim Turano, Big John Howell, Trish Biondo, Ramblin’ Ray Stevens, Mitch Michaels, Robert Murphy, Phil Doc Duncan, Cindy Raymond and memories of the late Tom Teuber.
**The fact that I found a second career after radio that I love as much. Teaching kids with behavior issues is often a challenge but worth it. Who knows? I might even have a ‘third act’ in my life.
**My summer family at East End Pool; too many names to mention but I consider myself lucky to be swimming in their slipstream!
**As far as women go, yes there’ve been romances. Relationships that taught me as much about myself as I’ve learned about the fairer sex. There’s also been some fine platonic friendships with other women that remain important to me.
It’s never a bad idea to count your blessings…
Some other things to be thankful for:
**My health at 63 (2 months shy of 64) It’s pretty good and getting better.
**Excellent care from a team of medical professionals ranging from my general practice doctor to a fine dentist.
**Living in a warm and safe house, the one I grew up in and how good it feels to come home every day.
**The honest and conscientious mechanics at JMS Auto in Elmhurst who take care of my aging but still reliable car.
**Local Handyman Bill who has been a go-to guy for me for years. I’m not the most fix-it savvy guy in the world.
**My Sport Clips stylist Brittany who’s been shaping my hair for over ten years. Well done, my dear.
!! Finally, I’m thankful for a sharp memory that recalls in detail a ridiculously deep well of great times had in this life. Add to that, a curious and active mind that has much more to write about and more to enjoy in this life.
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!
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