Giving Thanks with Firm Resolve

Today, I woke up groggy and out of sorts.  I had intense nightmares last night for the first time in a while.  They were particularly intense and I am not sure as to why.  I have had the nightmares about once a week pretty consistently for the past few months, but they haven't been very intense and they haven't had that HD replay reel feel or the scent memory of blood for a while.  I have actually been looking forward to the holiday this year and what happens?  Yeah, nightmares...

Regardless, I am not going to let that ruin my holiday.  With that in mind, I want to recount all of the wonderful things I am thankful for this year:

• The Soldiers Project:  This organization has been an unexpected blessing.  My relationship with my individual counselor has grown into a trusting and productive one.  They don't charge a dime for the services and compassion they offer.  I would never recommend leaving a fruitful therapeutic relationship.  If, on the other hand, you the VA is unable to see you regularly enough for individual therapy to be productive or your relationship with your current therapist just doesn't work, please seek out this wonderful group of people.
• Rod Deaton:  If it wasn't for the offer of friendship from Rod, I have no idea where I'd be right now.  He has been a lighthouse when the darkness sets in and I would never have heard of The Soldiers Project if it wasn't for him.  For a man who has never served, he understands combat veterans feelings and fears better than anyone else I have ever met.
• Anthony Durante:  A fellow veteran, Anthony introduced me to the world of entrepreneurship and I haven't looked back since.  Also, he introduced me to the amazing group of people that have made it possible for me to move my vision of veteran entrepreneurship education forward at a pace that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.
• LVMAC:  The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council accepted me with open arms and the professional relationship I have developed with Rich Hudzinski has been exceptionally rewarding.  I look forward to earning my associate membership in the coming year!
• My Amazing Family:  Through better and especially worse, they have stuck by me and loved me unconditionally over the course of my roughest year since I returned home in 2004.  Having such a strong support network helps to keep me grounded.

Add all of this together and you have the mother of all support networks.  My wish for everyone reading this is the grace and luck to find such amazing people to empower them.  I firmly resolve that, despite my incredibly bad night, I will not let it take away from the gratitude I feel for the amazing people in my life.  This post is for them - those I have mentioned and those I 

I wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!  Now stop reading and go enjoy some turkey and football!