ARCHIVE from robertdavidhays.com November 19, 2012
These past few weeks I’ve noticed a number of friends posting on Facebook the things that they are thankful for. The holiday season is always wonderful for spending time with family and reflecting on the blessings in our lives.
It’s an exercise that I would like to engage in more often, and throughout the year, as I am incredibly grateful for so many things in my life.
So, here’s my list.
1. My amazing wife. Robin has endured ten years with me and my, at times, wild-haired ideas and whims. Always with grace, support and love. She remains the woman of my dreams, and I am very blessed to get to enjoy my life’s journey with her. In 2011 she gave me the amazing gift in our daughter Olive, and is a wonderful mother. I love you, Robin.
2. Olive Lynde Hays. A beautiful, sweet natured, brilliant (in my humble fatherly opinion) little girl. At a year and a half, she amazes and delights me every day. With a smile that will no doubt cripple my better judgement as the years pass, I love her with all of my heart.
3. My family. I was born to two of the most selfless, incredible parents anyone could ask for. They had me when they were only 19, and are still happily married after 35 years.
My sister Amanda is a phenom in every sense of the word. A brilliant and beautiful young woman, inside and out, who has taken the professional world by storm. Second only to my bride, Amanda is my very best friend.
I am also fortunate to still have in my life, grandparents on both sides of my family. The Ramirez and Hays families are both the definition of grounded, salt-of-the Earth people, who give every ounce of themselves to their families.
I’ve not yet even mentioned the aunts and uncles, Leslie and Gary, Linda and Charlie, Steve and Karina, and Roger and Karen. You all played a huge role, along with your children-my cousins- in making me the man I am today. I could easily extend this to my enormous and wonderful extended family. You know who you are, and I thank each and every one of you.
4. Friends. Around the globe, and some as near as next door, I have the good fortune of friends who’s opinions and support I value more than I could begin to express. A few who warrant special recognition are Colby, Aaron and Mauricio.
Colby- I am so grateful for our friendship that has spanned nearly three decades. We have been through so much together, and I count you as a brother as much as a friend.
Soltz- my confidant, and fellow humanitarian. Thank you for the frequent conversations to discuss the stuff of life, careers, and everything in between. Months and years could go by between contact and it would feel like not a day had passed.
Mauricio- Mi hermano de otra madre. No hablamos suficiente. Pienso en ti y tu familia frecuentemente.
5. A career with an amazing company. Patterson has given me an outlet to be my own brand of crazy, and to nurture my entrepreneurial spirit within an amazing organization.
6. The people I get to work with. Clients and colleagues. Fellow sales professionals and technical support team. Talented clinicians, assistants, hygienists and business team members. Thank you all for inviting me to be a part of your day.
This list could go on. I am, to say the least, blessed in my life. Thank you for taking time out of your day to indulge my little blog project. I’ve reached nearly 2,000 followers. Thank you for inspiring me to keep writing. I hope this inspires you to reflect on the things and people in life for which you are thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving.
