Today marked the 62nd time I circled the sun. I spent most of the day with my sister, then picked up a cousin to visit one of my aunts. When I walked into the room, she smiled, and I walked over to her and gave her a big hug. I held back tears as I sensed my mother’s presence through my aunt’s laughter. We talked about old times when we would go to the beach and sing and dance our way into the ocean. I gave her a full report on my wife and my sons, and she told me to give them a hug for her. Overall, being with her proved to be one of the day’s biggest highlights. I told her that I love her and that I hope to see her again soon.

     When we left my aunt’s home, my sister, cousin, and I headed straight to one of my seafood restaurants on the shore. I ate some large raw oysters and a host of other maritime treats. We capped off our feast with dessert. Of course, I couldn’t resist a slice of key lime pie. After my first bite, I thought I almost stood and started a revival.

     Today, I found gratitude for my sister, who worked to ensure that I had a good day. I appreciated her efforts and let her know how much the day meant to me. We may have disagreements now and then, but I genuinely am grateful for her. My sister’s extravagant generosity reminds me of my mother, and it makes me smile.

     I read the first chapter of Grateful, written by Diana Butler Bass. As I read about the combinations of “I and We” in both the communal and private settings, I could not help but associate Bass’ theme with Martin Buber’s Ich und du. We do not live in a vacuum. Our actions impact others because we are all interconnected. It is up to us to express gratitude to our family, friends, and others we meet.

     I put my head on my pillow tonight, giving thanks for family and friends, having two of the most incredible sons a guy could ask for, and a wife who still catches my eye the minute she walks into a room. I am grateful for all these things as I start another trip around the sun. Here’s to another year of endless possibilities.