Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year.  And, it really hit home to me this morning when I went to Arlington National Cemetery to pay respects to my father, Uncle Arthur and General and Mrs Guthrie, the parents of my close friend and brother, Kevin.

My father and Uncle Art are both interred at the Columbarium.   That’s also where they hold the burial ceremony, which is one of the most remarkable things I’ve ever witnessed.  I stood there for a few minutes this morning near the staging area and I thought back to the incredible service that the US Military puts on to honor its veterans — the flag folding, the firing of shots, the playing of bugle, the presentation of the flag, etc.   The ceremony is spectacular and solemn – and nearly renders one speechless.

As I stood there, I also remembered the outpouring of family and friends that were there to support my mother, brother and I.  I’m dumbfounded at the number of people that were.  Losing a parent and / or family member is easily one of the most difficult and painful periods one can go through.  But, I was there standing strong — riding on the shoulders of my cousins, aunts and friends.

So, it made me particularly think, on this Thanksgiving Day, how grateful I am.  I am thankful for the wonderful family I have — my mother and brother — and also my aunts and uncles, cousins and cousin’s children.  Fortunately, we stay in close contact.  On the Lynn side of the family, we had a family reunion in Oklahoma City this past May.  And, on the Tobari side of the family, we had a reunion in Tokyo less than a month ago.  I am so grateful for the Lynn and Tobari families.  And, I also have a third family, the Guthries — who I’m so fortunate to be a part of.

As I mentioned when I delivered the eulogy at my father’s funeral, I feel so lucky to have so many wonderful friends — ones that are there for you — not just in the good and joyous times but also in the hard and difficult times.  The names are too numerous to mention but they know who they are.  Thank you for the years of friendship.

I also want to thank my numerous co-workers / clients / friends — from the AOL days and across the Sports industry as well as to those now currently at Georgetown University, Under Armour, MicroStrategy, x2impact, Legacy Connect and so many more.

Speaking of Georgetown, I feel blessed to be part of the family.  I’m now in my 7th year of teaching there.  I have so many friends, students and mentees — literally over 100 — that I keep in contact with regulary.  As I write this blog on my deck, I’m looking clearly across the river on this beautiful directly at Georgetown Univ.  I am thankful to be part of this wonderful institution and family.

And, of course, I must thank my mentees.  Again, they are too numerous to mention — the list is in the dozens and dozens, but you all inspire and motivate me.   My friends say that my mentees must be lucky to have me as a mentor.  I think it’s the other way around — I’m blessed to have them in my life.  They give me pride, joy, laughter and passion.  In fact, tonight, I’m taking three of my mentees to a Thanksgiving Dinner in Koreatown — so we’re going to do an Asian-style Thanksgiving!

My best Thanksgiving wishes to all.  I am thankful on this holiday but I’m also grateful and appreciative each and every day of the year.  Peace.