Thanksgiving, despite its historical origins (I used to be a history teacher.), is one of my favorite holidays for what it has become - a time to examine and be grateful for what we have. For one thing, despite the challenges that my parents presented throughout most of 2015, I am thankful that I still have them. My father will be 90 years old in less than four months. He and my mother will be happily married for 52 years in less than a month. My wife and two amazing children, whom many of you know, are truly great beyond anything I deserve. I can even say that I am thankful for my sister… and we’ll leave it at that. In short, I am lucky beyond words for the family I have.

Though my appreciation is genuine, sometimes being thankful for family seems half-hearted since “we are supposed to say that”. Unfortunately, we often take them for granted, too. I am lucky enough to be reminded of them every day because of other family I have, my Tae Kwon Do community.

I am thankful for the privilege of going to a place almost every day, six days a week, where greatness happens. I see students of all ages challenge themselves to move beyond and develop into superior versions of themselves. As the teacher, I am only the facilitator. The accomplishments belong to those who strive and persevere to find greatness in themselves. Just as I am direct and open with my students and their families about a students’ progress, both positive and negative, I try to take the same approach with myself. I know that I am far from perfect, and even with the best intentions I get things wrong sometimes. And yet, this amazing community of which I am a part accepts me, warts and all. For that, I am humbly thankful.

I am a teacher by training and profession. Our studio is an educational community as far as I am concerned, and I strive for that to always be our focus. The fact that I am entitled to pursue this dream while being supported by so many amazing students and families, including my own, is for what I am truly thankful. In fact, I often feel that I am living beyond what I deserve. And for that, I say thank you to you all, students and families, past and present.

May you find the time to enjoy that which is truly special and you truly deserve during this nationally shared holiday (literally, a holy-day).

Happy Thanksgiving.