I am thankful for a family that loves me even though I am so reliably imperfect.

I am thankful for a profession which allows me to share meaningful moments in the lives of others.

I am thankful for the hopeful and excited smile I receive from my granddaughter each time she greets me.

I am thankful that our first grandson’s miraculous and improbable journey brings him to our Thanksgiving table this year.

I am thankful for the guidance and inspiration embedded in fond memories of my grandparents.

I am thankful for my sister’s continuing courage in her battle with illness.

I am thankful for the balm of my wife’s touch.

I am thankful for public libraries, WCRB and national parks.

I am thankful for the ability to walk and to read and to work in my garden.

I am thankful to discover, well into my seventh decade, rejuvenation on a yoga mat.

I am thankful for a country that continues to be refreshed by the courage and dreams of hard working immigrant families.

I am thankful for a natural world that is exquisite, surprising and calming, whenever I remember to look around and see it.

I am thankful for leaders, activists, scientists, aid workers, soldiers and volunteers who strive to defend and repair our besieged planet.

I am thankful for mystics and philosophers who illuminate the ultimate and ineffable.

I am thankful when my regrets about the past and concerns about the future do not overcome these precious feelings of gratitude.

I am thankful for your readership and wish you the best possible Thanksgiving.

This post is an updated version of Thanksgiving 2013 which was published here on November 27, 2013.