I am T

Shannon Elliott

November 16, 2023

With the Thanksgiving holiday around the corner, I sit down to reflect on the essence of this season, words can not express the overwhelming sense of gratitude that I feel. This year, like every year before it has brought it shares of challenges and victories, and in the midst of it all there is a lifetime of blessings that I hold dear. As the aroma of the pumpkin pie flows through the air and the warmth of being with family fills my thoughts, I wanted to take just a moment to share some of the things that I am thankful for. First thing that I am thankful for is for the parents that I have, my dad and mom means the world to me more than they know. My dad who served in the United States Army druying the Vietnam War, was a great dad who loves me and he is always missed during theses special times. My mom has done a lot for me and when I work I tried to help just a little bit to ease the burden, she is a great mom to me and my sister.

Second thing that I am thankful for is the friends that I have made, whether it is online or in person, friends are like a second family. There are several friends that I hold dear to me and some of them I met recently online, Logan Barker has been my best friend since the changing of the Millennium and has been there even when I was down. Manu who I met on a site called Twitch has been a great friend even if we have not met in person yet, I still call him one of my closes friends. I can not forget my buddy Jim Isaacs who impacted my life more than every, we share a lot of memories working in the sound booth at events, on road trips, and even at church. I am so thankful for all of my friends, family, and those who gave their lives so we can be free.

The final thing that I am thankful for is the gift of life. The act of breathing, drawing in the air that sustains us, is a daily reminder of the miracle of existence. To experience life is not merely a privilege; it is an honor. Each inhale is a celebration of being alive, a testament to the remarkable journey we are on.

Waking up to the crisp morning air, allowing it to fill my lungs, is a ritual I cherish. It's a reminder that a new day, brimming with possibilities, has begun. Watching the sunrise or sunset, witnessing the sky transform into a canvas of hues, is a soul-stirring spectacle. It's a reminder that life is a series of breathtaking moments, each unique and irreplaceable. In the tapestry of gratitude, being with family and friends occupies a special place. Their presence adds warmth and richness to the fabric of my life. Shared laughter, shared tears, and shared moments create bonds that make the journey worthwhile. I am profoundly thankful for the connections that weave through my life, creating a mosaic of love, support, and shared experiences. So, as I pause to reflect on the things for which I am thankful, being alive takes center stage. It's in the quiet moments of reflection, the joyous gatherings with loved ones, and the awareness of the air filling my lungs that I find gratitude. Life, with all its complexities and wonders, is a gift that I treasure with profound appreciation.