THANKSGIVING
AOL Greeting Card
Let us give thanks:
n to all the men and women of our armed forces who are protecting the cause of freedom and to the families who miss them
n for our freedoms – including the right to elect governments at every level of our choosing while elections are being stolen in so many parts of the world
n not just to the Dream Team for its Olympic success but for our national youth softball programs which make that Olympic dream a reality
n to the parents who are the true financial sponsors of our national program
n to the coaches – the underpaid college assistant coaches, and the volunteer travel ball coaches and assistants – who sacrifice to make our sport possible
n to the girls of all ages who give up weekends, vacations, and their summers year after year in pursuit of their dreams – and for the love of the game, and
n for the privileges we enjoy as Americans – including the most precious gift of all, the right to think and speak without fear of reprisal.
Too often, in too many of the more than 100 countries in which I traveled, these rights, these freedom, are denied – and too often we take them for granted. If you see a member of our military on Thanksgiving Day, walk up and say thank you.
After you’ve had your big dinner, think of a charity which feeds the homeless at Thanksgiving and Christmas, or cares for children, and send them a check.
I am grateful, on this and every day, to all the players, coaches, parents, officials who make SPY Softball possible. When I left Johns Hopkins Wednesday afternoon, after prepping for the December 9 surgery, I thanked the surgeons and other doctors who saved my life in February, and continue to help me fight off the ravages of time.
There is a special gratitude for the opportunities which came my way, colored by the realization that I was able to savor much that is beautiful in this world, while also witnessing its dark side.
Not least, I give thanks for my children and other family members.
Happy Holidays