I have never really sat down and wrote all the things that I am thankful for in life. I thought today would be a darn good day to do just that.

I am thankful for the following:

My wife, Bonnie, and all the funny things she does.

My daughter, Tayler, for being such a goofball, yet still my little girl with a huge heart.

 My sons Brian and Scott, for becoming two fine young men of which I am very proud.

My mom and dad, for giving me roots.

My dad, for being the person I strive to be.

My brother Mike for being the quiet one with quality words of wisdom.

 My brother Tim, for caring for the family and always being there.

My sister Cindi, for being such a good sport.

My sister Teresa, for keeping up the family traditions.

My sister Kathy, for giving me the gift of music.

My co-workers at the Tribune, for being such hard workers.

My friends, who make me laugh.

 My dogs Molly and Scout, for always greeting me with amazing enthusiasm when I arrive home.

 The friends I grew up with, who know all the dumb stuff about me and still call me “Schmeltz” after more than 30 years together.

My spirituality, which allows me to pray and seek higher guidance every day of my life.

 My teachers at every level, who have challenged me even when I did not want to be challenged.

The wrongdoers and sinners, as they have been very good teachers of what I do not want in my life.

My job, as it lets me to do the two things I want to do everyday: laugh and learn something new.

My house, as it helps me know that I am providing structure for my own family and gives me a place to protect me against life when the days get too darn long.

Book stores, as reading is the basis for learning new things and also a hobby of mine.

Sports, as it has always been an outlet in my life, whether I am playing or watching. Go Packers.

That I was born and raised to be a rational person in a world that can oftentimes be the opposite.

Laughter, as it is always needed in this day and age.

 Little kids, as they show you so much about life through their fresh eyes and comments.

The elderly, as they show us so much about life through their actions and stories.

My wife’s cooking. Yummo!

My health.

Funny people.

 People in my life who make me slow down and look at the little things.

Another year.

You, for being a reader. Thank you for reading the Albert Lea Tribune.

Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer’s column appears every Thursday.