Things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving.

I am thankful that I no longer need my wife to tie my shoes because I can't bend down to do it myself.
I am thankful that I did not wake up this morning, head to my recliner, and spend most of the day there thinking about what I would eat today.
I am thankful that clothes I wore 15 years ago finally fit again (and thankfully, came back into style).
I am thankful that if I lean forward a little bit, I can actually see "my little friend" without a mirror.
I am thankful that I no longer break into a sweat walking from my house to my car.
I am thankful that my seatbelt is no longer an inch or two away from its maximum extension.
I am thankful for my newfound sense of self-confidence and well being that come from staying within calories or a 70 or 80 minute power walk instead of a Baskin-Robbins marshmallow sundae with rocky road and pralines and cream ice cream, whipped cream, and a cherry (no nuts, please).
I am thankful that little children are not quite as amused or repulsed by my size as they were four months ago.
I am thankful that instead of an early death and leaving my wife a widow, I have some hope for a future that includes playing with grandchildren, wearing my pants just under my moobs, and breaking wind just because it's fun.
But most of all, I am thankful for two particularly large blessings in my life:
(1) A wife who laughs at my jokes, supports my healthier eating lifestyle, walks at my pace even though she could walk circles around me, makes me feel worthy of her love, attention and affection, and cares enough to encourage my efforts without nagging.
(2) My newfound friends on MFP. Without you, I very definitely would not have any of the other things to be thankful for on this list (except for Mrs.TFT, of course). Seriously, people. You motivate me. You encourage me. You comfort me. You show me the way through your own dedication, drive, motivation, will to succeed and efforts. For me, the laughter and fellowship that we share on here is the spoonful of sugar that helps this new lifestyle medicine go down.

You have made MFP into my very own Cheers-- a place where everybody knows my name. A place where, if I don't show up regularly, I am missed. Every stick of butter that I have lost.... every stick of butter that I will lose... they are all a tribute to each of you. And that is why I am most thankful for YOU this Thanksgiving Day.

Respectfully submitted,
Scott R. in Houston, Tx.