Giving Thanks

First, before I get into this post I just want to say a big thanks to everyone who complimented me on the blog this past weekend. It means more than you know to hear those kind words. It is the main motivating force that keeps me writing, that I wrote something enjoyable, inspiring, or useful.
With Thanksgiving rapidly approaching I thought I'd write something of meaning or at least make the attempt. This holiday, in my opinion, has always been about three major f's, football, family and feasting. I love eating entirely more food than I should, watching football, and spending time with family.  All of which is well and good, but this Thanksgiving I plan on spending a little more time appreciating all I have to be thankful for and letting them know.
Earlier this year one of my closest childhood friends passed away in a horrific accident.  It was heart wrenching seeing the pain and suffering of his family and friends in losing someone way too early. I suffered too in a certainly lesser extent and in a different way. I can remember that day I heard of the news of his passing like it was yesterday. Immediately I recalled all the good times we shared and couldn't believe it was true. I could accept the fact that someone could lose their life at the tender age of 21 especially when he had so much to look forward to in life. After the sudden rush of grief, sorrow, and disbelief I became overcome with a feeling of guilt. Why hadn't I been there for him recently, why hadn't I put in a stronger effort to stay close after he moved, like he had been there for me. There was nothing I could do at the moment, there was no getting him back, I couldn't finally be there. Life is a gift and you never know when it might end.  Since my friends death in March I know two others who have passed away too young.
Love, a one syllable word that phonetically is not difficult to pronounce, yet sometimes it is so difficult.  Despite all steps taken towards greater equality we still live in a predominately homophobic society. Sensitivity in a male still correlates to weakness in the eyes of many. There are many males in society who fear saying I love you to another guy in fear of being labeled weak or a fag. Even just merely expressing you care for another guy as a friend is uncomfortable for many. Drake has received criticism from a number of cynics because of the emotion he put into his album with some calling him gay, weak, etc. Saying you love a girl you are not in a relationship with for an extensive period of time is equally frowned upon as it is not common practice to drop the "L Bomb" until one has dated someone for an extensive period of time.
The fact that life is finite has allowed me to better appreciate everything I have in life. I'm blessed to be surrounded by the best family and friends in the world and I will not take that for granted. There are a large number of people in my life that I can say I love. I really do have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Thanks for reading and I really appreciate any and all feedback.