It’s Thanksgiving time. A time to reflect on the things we’re thankful for. I want to take this post to name as many of the things I’m thankful to Ian for as I can.

I’m thankful that he taught me how to relax some. How to let loose and have fun. How to not care if I did poorly at a karaoke song. How to enjoy the act, rather than the perfect result.

I’m thankful that he gave me the opportunity to experience a relationship in which a disagreement or full on angry fight wasn’t the death knell. He taught me that it was possible for someone to be angry at me, and still want to have me as a friend.

I’m thankful for all the music he introduced me to. From Pink Floyd to Snoop Dogg to Stan Rogers.

I’m thankful for the kindness he showed. For his gentleness.

I’m thankful that he helped me see that I could stand up for myself and what I really wanted – In friendships, relationships, and work.

I’m thankful that he was there when my grandpa died. That he dropped everything to drive me to the airport after convincing me that I needed to go. That he was there when I got back for me to cry to.

I’m thankful that he let me in. That he trusted me. That for at least a while there, I was one of the people he kept closest.

I’m thankful for his ability to teach, and that he was able to teach me a love for baseball. That he didn’t mind when I asked a stupid question for the umpteenth time, and that each of those stupid questions, he answered with enthusiasm, and explanations to help me understand.

I’m thankful that he was such a responsible, intelligent person. That my recommending him for a job turned out so well. I’m thankful that he made me look good at work.

I’m thankful that he still managed to surprise me. That he wasn’t predictable entirely.

I’m thankful that he assured that I would be the one who found him. That in doing so, he made me a part of his family.

I’m thankful that he taught me to love what I love without guilt or fear of what anyone else will think.That he was an example of how to enjoy things entirely, with abandon.

I’m thankful that I had him, even for the short time that I did.

Written 11/26/2014

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