What I’m Thankful For

Thanksgiving- and the general holiday season- is a time to give thanks for everything in your life- family and friends, your job, your home, your health- like not having diabetes after last year’s feast and ensuing gluttony- and good fortune. My feeling is that you should be thankful everyday, but hey, what do I know? There are a lot of things in life that I’m extremely thankful for so I’m just going to make a list.

-My mom, one of the strongest people I know.

-Nadia and Jake for being the two best siblings you could ask for

-My grandma who’s always been my #1 fan and supporter

-My entire family for their unwavering support in everything that I do

-Being raised basically as a modern day pilgrim child in the city of Chicago; only being able to watch PBS and play with “museum quality” toys as a kid

-Ron FW for giving me the push I needed to get into cycling

-My coach, Craig, for helping me become a bike racer

-Having the opportunity to live and train at the OTC

-The staff and athletes at the OTC who make it their mission to help everyone here succeed

-My teammates who have been with me for success and failure, good and bad days and tons of unforgettable experiences

-Everyone I’ve called just to talk (It doesn’t happen very often)

-Everyone else that’s supported me in someway, shape or form over the years (There are a lot)

-Living in the US where everything is much easier than the rest of the world

-Being able to see the world from a two-wheeled perspective (You should try it sometime)

-The challenges presented to me, without which my life would be ordinary and boring

-The 300+ days of sunshine in Colorado Springs

The list goes on, but nobody really likes reading lists. What’s more important is for all of you to think about what’s important in your lives. Maybe this list helps spark your thought process, maybe you just read this list at your Thanksgiving dinner as your own, that’s fine. There are people out there that have much more material wealth than you do, but you are much richer. Happy holidays everyone.