Things I am thankful for

Thanksgiving is this week. You will probably have the opportunity this week to read several different accounts in this and other publications about all the things for which we, as both Alaskans and Americans, should be thankful. Things like living in the freest country in the world, having good health and a loving family, living in a clean environment, and all the other topics the article authors are listing for you.

These are all good things, and I am thankful for them. But many of these good things also come with a price tag. For instance, my youngest sister’s husband is a retired police officer in Georgia. He was also a small arms weapons specialist in the Army and is retired from that job as well. After his retirements, he spent time in Afghanistan working as a military trainer and contractor. He’s home now and, last I heard, is actually retired. He survived these occupations without major injury. I’m thankful for that.

My oldest sister’s husband is also currently retired from the military. He retired after spending 20+ years in the Air Force. His war was Viet Nam. He served without major injury too, and for that I’m grateful.

I enjoy my freedoms as an American because my brothers-in-law were willing to serve our society in the military and my sisters were willing to support their efforts. I am not only thankful but also humbled that they were willing to make that level of sacrifice for me.

While I’m speaking about family, I’ll mention that I am one of eight kids. The youngest is 64 and the oldest is 77 (I hope I’m correct on those ages). While we all are showing the ravages of getting older, we are all still alive. I’m very thankful for that too.

I am thankful that my health is relatively good, considering my “geezer” status at age 75. I am sadly out of shape and after consulting with my doctors, plan to start working to get in better shape. I will see my heart specialist this week and my orthopedic surgeon in a couple of weeks. Depending on their recommendations, I can develop a program to get back into shape. Like everything worth having, good health involves working to keep what you have and working harder to improve it.

I am thankful to live in Alaska. I grew up in the Midwest and have lived in Maine and Georgia also. While these areas all have their own unique character and charm, nothing compares to Alaska. The air here is usually so clean that, on a clear day from Big Lake, Denali (Mount McKinley), over a hundred miles away, is visible in detail. By comparison, when I flew Outside for a family reunion in Georgia several years ago, I noticed brown “smog” from the Midwestern states to the Atlantic Ocean. After landing, I could smell it, too.

I am thankful for Alaskans’ independent, self-sufficient nature and freethinking attitudes about life. I am thankful for having had the opportunity of a career with Fish and Game, and that I survived the politics of state employment to retirement. I am thankful that the folks at The Frontiersman were willing to let me try my hand at outdoor writing and have continued to let me write for twenty-three years since.

I’m nearing the end of over fourteen years of membership on the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission. I opted not to renew so some “fresh blood and new ideas” folks can get involved. I originally joined right after I stepped down from the Board of Fisheries back in 2010. I have worked with four different Borough liaison folks and a variety of citizen-members over that time.

The current membership of the commission is the most awesome group of folks I have had the privilege to work with. Every individual is well versed in our natural resources needs and brings very clear and specific ideas to the table as assorted topics regarding fish, wildlife, and habitat are discussed. I’ve been extremely privileged to have worked with this group of folks and the borough staffers who have supported our efforts.

I’m thankful to still be able to hunt and fish and go shooting, things I have enjoyed my entire life. While getting out can be difficult at times, I can still participate in these activities.

Take a few minutes sometime this week and think about your own situation. I think you’ll realize that God has blessed you, too. Be thankful and enjoy.