Thanksgiving

It's been a tough few weeks for a retail veteran like myself, busy with preparing for the coming sales onslaught that is the weekend after thanksgiving and frankly the entire month of December. It's been a struggle (more so than it already is) to balance my many duties and priorities between work, the troop, family, and friends. Add to this the difficult situation of my fathers illness and you've got a level of stress that only a Jedi could survive without force choking someone to death.


I've tried to make a concious effort this holiday season to keep at the forefront of my mind what really matters to me: taking the time to see and care for my father. Advancing the Troop for the cure cause. Showing my friends and family just how much I appreciate them. So to keep true to that I've prepared a list of things I am thankful for.

I am thankful to the ever helpful and ever vigilant troops of the 501st, who have given my life new purpose this year. You have shown me the power of the human spirit and moved me beyond words. I am especially thankful to Tim Boyle and Troy Gentry for their limitless patience and diligence in helping me build my armor. I barely know you guys but you have accepted me and treated me only as true friends would.

I am thankful for my co-workers, the most talented group of misfits I have had the pleasure of working with. Whether its making burgers or hocking t-shirts, you see it on the front lines every day, and without your humor, support, and co-miseration I could not do what I do.

I am thankful for my wonderful girlfriend Whitney. She sees it all. She is the one who has to pick up what's left when I am spent, physically and emotionally. She is the one that has to watch me go out the door tired and sick and come home destroyed. She is the one who brings me back from the edge,  who makes me laugh when the world seems like a hopeless place. She is the light of my life and without her none of this would be possible. I love you Whitney.

Lastly I am thankful for my family. For my Mom's tireless efforts to keep the ship afloat. For my brother for being there for them when I can't and backing them up the whole way. And for my dad for hanging in there for all of us.

-TFTC