One year ago tomorrow I had a tumor removed from my spinal cord.

I am thankful to God for all my blessings today and every day you have given me since then.

I want to say thank you, thank you for another year and give thanks.

I am blessed with what I do have, and can do now.

I am better off than many, my results could have been much worse.

I am thankful to all that prayed for me and continue to pray for me.

I am thankful for my tremendous and beautiful wife. She was and is my rock. She was there at the
doctor visits, the MRIs, the waiting room, the surgery, walking me thru the halls at the hospital after
surgery, guiding me in the dark (literally), watching me so I didn’t fall in the shower, walking me
downstairs, caring for me thru out. I am sorry for the year that I have put you thru, I will be forever
grateful for what you have done for me.

Your love, care, and patience for me over this past year and every year has always been unconditional.
Thank you

I am thankful to my kids who are the joy and light of my life. I am sorry that you had to see your dad go
thru this. I love you, Stacia, Noah and Sean more than you will ever know.

I am thankful for my parents who were there for me throughout the process, their prayers, their love,
and their help when I needed it most.

I am thankful for my sisters and their families who were there for me at the hospital and checked on me
constantly. Your love, concern and visits mean everything to me.

I am thankful for my in-laws, my sister in law and their families who like my parents were there for me
and my family and have always accepted me as a son or brother.

I am thankful for the skill and patience of my doctors, nurses, nurses’ aides and physical therapists at
Hopkins and here at home.

I am thankful for my friends, co-workers, my pastor, pastor Jimmy and his family, and our church family
who visited, sent cards, and delivered meals. The visits and meals were thoughtful, caring, and really
made me appreciate your friendship and relationship with me and my family. I am thankful to friends
who tied my shoes when I couldn’t.

I am thankful to my company Microsoft and my coworkers for standing by me despite my limitations,

your assistance this past year at work, doing a lot of my mental heavy lifting and work, donating to
charity on my behalf as a get well gesture was thoughtful and appreciated. I am grateful. Thank you

I am thankful to all my Boonsboro Titans, Titans coaches, team moms, and parents who visited, called,
and delivered a giant get well card which made my heart swell with pride and thanks for all the good
young adults, and parents in my life.
I am thankful to the Boonsboro High School Football players and coaches; all the young players and
coaches Joe, Andy, Scott, Drew, Jordan. Coach Mark, Coach Jim, Coach Brad, and Coach Anders who
invited me to join them and accepted me at a time when I really needed it. Football as therapy, yes it
works.

God I don’t know what my future holds, but thank you for this last year, and thank you for today.