Some years ago I became aware of this eloquent WSJ editorial, “And The Fair Land,” which has appeared on Thanksgiving annually since 1961. In our present mode of nonstop, shrill invective it’s good to take a moment to consider how truly fortunate we are. This nation is not somehow “better” than others, but rather America created itself as an alternative — to monarchies, dictators and despots. We chose the rule of law, not of kings. The spirit of this nation is alive and well and we, the people, continue to benefit from our 248-year experiment in democracy. Happy Thanksgiving! Please pass the cranberry sauce.

[excerpt] “This is indeed a big country, a rich country, in a way nothing can measure to those who have not seen it. Even those who journey through its Northeastern complex, into the Southern lands, across the central plains and to its Western slopes can only glimpse a measure of the bounty of America.

And a traveler cannot but be struck on his journey by the thought that this country, one day, can be even greater. America, though many know it not, is one of the great underdeveloped countries of the world; what it reaches for, far exceeds what it has grasped.

We can all remind ourselves that the richness of this country was not born in the resources of the earth, though they be plentiful, but in the men that took its measure. For that reminder is everywhere—in the cities, towns, farms, roads, factories, homes, hospitals, and schools that spread everywhere over that wilderness.

For all our social discord we yet remain the longest enduring society of free men governing themselves without benefit of kings or dictators. Being so, we are the marvel and the mystery of the world, for that enduring liberty is no less a blessing than the abundance of the earth.”

The author reminds us that America remains “one of the great underdeveloped countries of the world; what it reaches for far exceeds what it has grasped.” In a time of endless news cycles and performative outrage, those words carry special weight.

Looking back across 2024 gratitude of my own, my year began with professional momentum that has gradually ebbed. I see it 100% as an opportunity and as we approach 2025, I find myself contemplating new streams and possibilities. In this moment, and because of it, gratitude takes on a sharper focus, as do the people and things I am grateful for. 

Here are some of mine for 2024:

Thankful for all my friends, neighbors, familiar faces

Thankful for my Mom, turning 92 soon and still incredible mentally and physically; for my brother and sister and their families; and brother/sister-in-law and their awesome children

Thankful for my Dad, Ken D, both grandfathers, Uncle Bill, two cousins, my father-in-law, and his brother who served our country to keep it free

Thankful for a system/economy/career that allows me to enjoy the work I do to provide

Thankful for my amazing wife Christi and our 32+ years together… Our sons Ben, John and Rob and that they are all healthy and thriving

John C is comfortable, well-taken care of. He is a happy person despite the short-term memory struggles. He knows everyone, and has his go-to stories still. 
My Mom gave us a scare in May with news about arm pain that sent my mind racing. After tests revealed nothing serious, I was reminded how quickly my “busy routine” here falls instantly away into meaninglessness. At 91 and sharp as a tack (the real “sharp as a tack”), she remains a relentless steamroller of good cheer, with all her faculties. Still living independently, still driving. Still raising hell in all of the best ways.
Hoops run. All through January and February, I followed the UT-Dallas Comets’ basketball championship run. They chased down both the American Southwest Conference regular-season title and the conference tournament championship, earning their spot in the NCAA Division III 64-team bracket, where they beat #5 Trinity on its home court.
January brought an unexpected opportunity when Larry and I called two Saint Mary’s basketball broadcasts. The latter game (Jan 20) especially stands out – a defensive block at the buzzer sealing the win for Saint Mary’s. Another buddy Mark’s words afterward – “You’re a natural” – meant a lot. Sometimes the gratitude comes with a role you hadn’t imagined beforehand.
September travel unfolded in two acts. First, London with Christi – three nights of exploration through the Churchill War Rooms, pub dinner with Adam, crossing the Millennium Bridge, drinks on our hotel deck, and the terrific Stoppard play, “The Real Thing” at The Old Vic.
Then it was on to Switzerland. After landing in Geneva, we made our way to Cully, collecting the boys a day later at the train station. That fondue evening up the mountain, surrounded by all of the family and Seattle/Swiss cousins, was tremendous.
  • My nephew’s wedding itself was a postcard brought to life with Malcolm and Elodie’s vows at a Lavaux winery and Vevey hotel patio reception overlooking Lake Geneva, and a five-hour dinner that felt short. Having the entire clan together, no absentees (as we had for niece Claire’s wedding in 2022), was huge. Even our final full day, driving to Lauterbrunnen and taking the small gauge rail up into fog-shrouded mountains, delivered. While the spectacular views were obscured, the day with Mom, Woody and Christi and our mountainside lunch and rail rides all were memorable (see above pic of Woody, Mom and me)
Back home, watching the boys during their senior/final years of college brings another kind of gratitude. John is finding his mojo in Indiana’s sports management program while Rob balances UTD basketball with job prospects. Ben’s rotations are shaping up. Each of them is charting a well-directed course as they head toward three 2025 graduations. 
Speaking of mojo, I got mine working — shedding 11 pounds, walking daily with twice-weekly resistance and lots of lean protein focus in the diet. It’s not about the numbers though; it’s about that feeling of purpose (and not just in bypassing that extra pizza slice). It’s about never joining the ranks of the Used To Be.

The Journal‘s editorial speaks of America’s bounty being born not in the resources of the earth, “but in the men that took its measure.” Looking back at 2024, I’m struck by how true this remains.

Our best moments do not derive so much from “things,” but rather from our people taking the measure of circumstance, recognizing reality and moving ever forward. Despite the relentless drum of division, real life continues. Real people make it happen and they’re out there working, and not giving a damn what sort of bullshit we’ve been fed non-stop for nearly a decade. Now re-read that sentence, as it is intended as non-partisan. For this, I am thankful as well.

“We are the marvel and the mystery of the world,” the Journal reminds us each Thanksgiving, “for that enduring liberty is no less a blessing than the abundance of the earth.”

In 2024, that marvel and mystery played out just as it has annually. Just as it will, again.

“Gratitude is always in one’s power. With gratitude we can remain steady amid chaos and reject despair in a troubled hour.” 

 — Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams