I’m Thankful

As we move from an incredibly contentious election season into the holidays, I’d like to take this opportunity to give thanks for all the good things that make life and work so satisfying. We are, as the philosophers warn us, cursed to live in interesting times. There are many hurdles ahead, but there is much to be thankful for. Here’s my list…

I’m thankful for the home my wife and I live in. After being a renter for most of my life I am now a homeowner, and without a mortgage. After my father passed away in 2004, my brother and I inherited our family home in Grass Valley. I am thankful that my brother and I have a good relationship, unlike so many others who fight over every nickel and dime when this time arrives. We were able to work out a deal between us without probate and lawyers. I’m thankful for my in-laws, who helped us navigate through some tricky financial waters, enabling us to pay off the house several years ahead of schedule.

I’m thankful to The Union, for giving me the opportunity to share my creations with thousands of readers every week. I’m thankful to my editors, past and present, who cut me a lot of slack in tackling controversial issues. I’m thankful for Jeff Ackerman, who helped me publish and promote my collection of comics, Once Upon a Village. I’m thankful for the support and encouragement I’ve received from the public over the last seventeen years.

I’m thankful for our local blogging community, whether friendly or adversarial, for making me look at different points of view. It has helped me grow as a cartoonist, and to question my own beliefs. I’m thankful for those individuals who encouraged me to start my own blog, and helped this computer-challenged idiot make it work. I’m thankful for those brave individuals who comment here, knowing that their words and opinions might be ridiculed and ignored.

And most of all, I’m thankful for my wonderful, beautiful wife, Mary Ann. We will celebrate twenty years together in 2013. She has stuck with me through good times and bad, even when it became apparent that her partner was the real life version of Homer Simpson. (D’oh!)  I love her more than ever.

Finally, I’m thankful to be here for another Thanksgiving. Every year, there are a few less friends and family to share the bounty with. I miss them all, and I will never forget them. Enjoy life while it lasts. As Pogo once noted after the passing of his creator, Walt Kelly, “It ain’t no how permanent.”

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8 Responses to I’m Thankful

  1. tom odachi says:

    Thank YOU, RL. Your reminder made me reflect on the wonderful family, friends, security, and hope, that I am blessed with… Life is good!

    “There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist” ~ Mark Twain

  2. Todd Juvinall says:

    Ditto

  3. Ryan Mount says:

    RL. Thank you for the wonderful gifts you give this community.

  4. Steve Frisch says:

    Thanks RL…perhaps we can all reflect on what we are thankful for

  5. Greg Goodknight says:

    RL, your work in The Union has been a constant delight over the past 21 years that I’ve been reading it. Every local rag should be so lucky.

  6. Russ Steele says:

    RL,

    Thanks for all your cartoon insights over the years. Have a great Thanksgiving!

  7. Michael Anderson says:

    RL, I am thankful for you and Mary Ann, and all that you do for our community. We forget how good we have it, we are truly blessed to live in these wonderful towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley, and Penn Valley, Chicago Park, Cedar Ridge, Colfax, Alta Sierra, LOTP & LWW, the little town of Washington, Camptonville, Pike, Graniteville, North San Juan, North Columbia, Rough & Ready, Smartsville, Pleasant Valley, Cisco Grove, You Bet, Downieville, and Meadow Lake / Jackson Reservoir.

    Wonderful!

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