A little appreciation

Christmas has always been a time to reflect.  Maybe it's turning to the last page on the calendar, the cold weather, the holiday season, but I usually like to take time to pause and appreciate some of the things that I cherish and value as being instrumental in who I am today.

I appreciate another wonderful year of being married to the most beautiful girl in the world.

I appreciate the fact that I have a nice house to come home to after a long day of work.


I appreciate that my little puppy Brady is always wagging his tail when I come through the door.

I appreciate that I have two wonderful parents who taught me all of the valuable lessons that helped shape me who I am today.

I appreciate that my brother Dana is one of the most happy-go-lucky guys in the world, no matter where his travels take him. And that he thinks from time to time to give me a call.

I appreciate the men and women who serve and protect this country in lands far, far, away from home.

I appreciate all of the good folks who helped me get to where I am today, something that I hope to do for others one day.

I appreciate the opportunity I have to travel the world, see many different athletic arenas and meet some of the finest professionals in the world in my career.

I appreciate the ability to sit down in church and have a conversation with God. A time to chat, one-on-one and thank him for being there, not just for me, but for those in need.

I could go on, and on. But, perhaps the biggest appreciation I have is of my beautiful son Liam. We recently got to spend our third Christmas together and it is just such a joy to watch him grow. He has such a great personality and is really beginning to understand the world around him.  Though sometimes I may not fully understand the world after 40 or so years.

The true meaning of the holidays tends to get lost on many. The shopping, the sales, the "I gotta have" marketing that draws consumers in. From what Christmas really means.

But to watch my son open up Christmas gifts and give me a hug and say thank you, it's just something that I truly appreciate.