Timeline

I'm flat-out stealing this from frog. Hey, something has to spur my creative process.

25 years ago: Age 17. Started dating Linda, who at some point would grant me the pleasure of my first kiss. She was a great kisser. I was a late bloomer. She played flute. I have since learned that woodwind players are great kissers. The Iran Hostage Crisis dominated the news. Played guitar all the time. Lots of angst about girls in general (I was 17...and as I said, a late bloomer).

20 years ago: Started dating Nita. Loved her lots. She has a MA in English, and just graduated from nursing school in 2004. I haven't spoken to her in a long time. Her mom and mine passed away about the same time, but she doesn't know that. Writing songs with James (then known as Jim) nonstop. When not in class, played guitar all the time. Drank lots of beer.

15 years ago: Married Jill. Love her even more than Nita and Linda (and Lori, too). First Thanksgiving together. Probably spent at her mom's. My parents moved to Indiana. Worked a job that I hated with my very being. Not happy with that aspect of my life at all. Very happy to be married.

10 years ago: Working on starting a family with Jill. Won't have results for another 17 months. Still working in industry that I despised, but taking Real Estate classes. Jill went to Maui (paid by work, the lucky dog) and I went to Austin. Best 32nd birthday ever.

5 years ago: Jill pregnant with 2nd and last child, due in March. Live in Jill's hometown with daughter and dog. Mom has cancer. Working my favorite job ever. Lions Club, Education Foundation, lots of civic pride.

3 years ago: Mom passed away previous year. Kicking ass in Afghanistan (not me, but my country). Love my job. Rocky spots in relationships, but no one is quitting, which is a good thing. Love my daughter and son. Dog's with Mom.

1 year ago: Everyone in family is happy. Wife and I are thrilled. Work is great. I'm a flippin' success. City Council. New dog.

This year: This is a wonderful time. Kids are great. Can't live without them. The dog is wonderful. Jill is wonderful. Work is still great. My side of the family is falling apart, but if you pour just enough gas on the bridge, it burns quickly and doesn't hurt as much.

Yesterday: Not a 10, but a good day, anyway. Getting excited about the holidays for the first time in a long time.

Today: Working a light schedule, then taking my son to The Incredibles. Can't wait.

Tomorrow: Thanksgiving! I will truly be thankful. Nephews will be there. Now that they both live out of town, it is a wonderful thing to see them at family gatherings. Football, family, and hopefully a good bottle of wine. Followed by all night poker. This is truly happiness.

I know some people for whom Thanksgiving is passing by this year. I'm sorry for them, and wish I could fix all of their problems. I do know, however, that things can improve for everyone if you are just willing to reach for it.

Easy for me to say, anyway.