I woke up to the sunrise this morning. For this I am thankful.

I have a loving mother and father who supported my move to Seattle and continue to send their love and support everyday. Even from 2000 miles away, I know that at a moments notice they will be by my side. From them I learned not to take life for granted, that hard work pays off, and that risks are worth taking. For this I am thankful.

I have an amazing brother who is growing into a wonderful young man. I am proud of him and all the paths he has and will take. For this I am thankful.

I am surrounded by friends who I love and respect, and who I can rely on to help me through anything. They are my adopted family in Seattle, the ones who continue to welcome me into their lives with open arms. We have shared so many adventures, and they have truly shaped me into what I am. For this I am thankful.

All over the country, I have family that I know love me, from Texas to Georgia, from Florida to Colorado I know there are people who love me. For this I am thankful.

My stomach is full of food, my mind is full of knowledge. I can read, write, do math, have access to a computer and a microwave. There is a roof over my head, there is a shirt on my back. I have been given the opportunity to define myself on my terms, to take the path I wanted, to get a college degree and move across the country to start a new life. For this I am thankful.

There are so many things to be thankful for, but this Thanksgiving has given me so many more reasons. I am thankful for my wonderful and loving girlfriend, who through good and hard times has become my best friend, and the only one I could ever raise a puppy with. Of course there’s Pickle, who is growing into a beautiful, healthy dog. I am thankful for this chance to start a new chapter of my life and to start a family with the woman I love and the puppy that has stolen our hearts.

I will be sharing Thanksgiving with some of the most important people in my life, friends that have truly become family in my time here. We will stuff our faces with food that we have all been fortunate enough to prepare, watch the Seahawks take on the 49ers, and let ourselves fall victim to a food coma. For this I am thankful.

If you are able to read this blog, be thankful. If you are warm, have a full belly, be thankful. If you have your family by your side, be thankful. You are lucky.

I am lucky. For this I am thankful.