If I've never properly thanked you ...

... please accept my apology.  Not to dwell on my shortcomings, but I've been known to take things for granted. 

If there is anyone on this earth who is more blessed and fortunate than myself, I am hard-pressed to find them.  I have incredible parents and grew up in a wonderful place, happily isolated from the really icky things in the world.  I've got some terrific extended family and friends of the family that have been solid and supportive to this day. 

I owe that to my great parents, for whom people would do just about anything.  It's a testament to their loyalty and faithfulness as friends to others.  If you think that I'm generous and willing to serve, then you can say that I'm merely a reflection of the generosity and willingness to serve that were modeled by my parents and many others who were influential during my formative years.

If I were determined to spend the time to seek out and properly thank all of those who have been supportive and great examples to me, I'd have to take at least a year sabbatical.  "The Year of Thankfulness" doesn't sound like a bad idea.

In the meantime, perhaps I can just turn over a new leaf and make a better effort to show my gratitude in the here and now.  Send notes and gifts, perhaps?  Be quick to express it and be sincere, certainly.  Be mindful and make a concentrated effort to not take anything for granted.

So thank you for being a good example, for listening, for not judging, for being generous with your time and treasure, for being there.  Please know that it is appreciated.