Day 114, Easter: Thankful

He Has Risen

And I Am Thankful

For ...

My Good Health: Running yesterday on the Heritage Trail, I thanked God for my good knees and the ability to have run

and played sports for so long.

My Good Mind: Though it plays tricks on me at times, it works and I keep working it to keep it honest.

The Golden Rule: I believe in it so deeply, I only wish I could follow it at every moment. It transcends religions.

Having a Job: I don't take it for granted, especially since I'm doing what I love - working on a newspaper.

My Writing Ability: It could be better ... I could have a million seller! But God has given me an ability to put words together in a way that conveys clearly (most of the time) what I feel and believe.

My Journey: He has taken me to so many places - physically, emotionally and mentally - and I trust He will continue to do so

to make me the man that I am.

My Three Families: How lucky I am to have my immediate family, my first wife's family and me second wife's family

as people I can count on to care.

My Sons: Jay and Shawn are men now and I am very proud to say that I am their father. They will carry on the Swenson name very well.

My wives: Jane taught me to care about others first and what courage is all about; Kris is teaching me tolerance and opening me to new ways to look at things I used to take for granted. God bless both.

My faith: It's very weak at times; I am so human. But deep down it's there and I am so thankful. I pray others gain strength from it or eventually discover its wonder and rewards.