What is there to be thankful for? The economy is still in the toilet. There are people unemployed, we continue to be involved in wars across the world, and the government wants to raise or taxes still spending recklessly.
Well let me think. This year has been a challenge yes? I have been to funerals for three friends that were my age or younger. That makes me aware of my own mortality and that no one is promised tomorrow so I am thankful that I wake with a breath in my lungs each morning.
I am thankful for a wife (Marcia) that continues to stand by my side even when I am being me. I am thankful for my two sons (Marc & Filip) that at times drive me to a boiling point that I can hug and hold each day. I cannot imagine the pain some friends go thru during these holidays with a void in the their hearts and lives. I am grateful that I still have a Mother (Mom) that I can talk to thru the internet and phone. I give thanks for the memories of my dad (Phil) whom I still miss. I give thanks for a sister (Diane) that I love and a brother (Jim) that I need to be closer to. I give thanks for my brother-in-law (Wayne) who is more like a brother than in-law. I give thanks that Marcia's sister (Linda) and nephew (AJ) can spend this day with us. I am thankful for all my in-laws (If I tried naming them I'd be here till next Thanksgiving) out west, wish they or we could visit more often. I give thanks for all my cousins, nieces, & nephews who I cherish as family.
I give thanks for all the friends I have (yes I believe I do have friends) and too all the old friends that I reconnected with this year on facebook (and for them putting up with my nonsense posts).
I give thanks that I currently have a job to support my family.
I give thank to the soldiers that are risking their lives trying to make us (me) safer in this world. I give thanks to all those that served our country before and will continue to personally thank them when I see them on the street. I give thanks to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us.
We should never forget.
I give thanks that my wife made me fulfill on of my desires and buy a motorcycle this year.
I give thanks that although diagnosed with diabetes I could get that under control with medication and a healthier lifestyle. (Down 60 lbs. this year).
Most of all
I give thanks for a loving God that continues to forgive all my iniquities and for the ultimate gift of his Son.
And if you read this far I am thankful for that. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving
Bob Jurewicz
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Goodbye Martin
November 14, 2010 3:45 am. Marty Ahrnes passed away.
Marty Ahrnes and I worked together for the last 25 years, We worked in different areas, we also at times worked for the same supervisors/leaders sometimes in different areas some times next to each other. During the last few years we sat angular across from one another able to look an each others ugly mug if so desired. Trust me the view was better from my direction. I would occasionally ask drawing advice from him and he would call me over for some advice on machining parts. Over time we had gotten to know one another and formed a working friendship. This grew due our common interests house construction. I with my wife Marcia took on the task of adding on an addition to our house and Marty and Krys were renovating their house in Vernon Hills, We did spend some time bouncing our ideas and plans off one another, Talk about our kids, houses, vacation trips we had been on. We played softball together for one or two seasons, possibly one of the worst teams ever although we still had fun. Marty had a pretty healthy laugh and I enjoyed bringing it out. His smile could light up a room. Encouraging me to be funny is probably not a good thing. I know Marty had some tough times in his life but a lot of that disappeared when Krys stepped in. Doug and I were talking and he told me Marty always wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail. Well we were discussing that we could hike some of it for Marty this summer. I know it would be a rouged trip and I need to prepare. There are some wild animals out there and thought what we would need for protection. I suggested a pistol. Doug said that he would only have to outrun me and not the bear. A pistol would only piss a bear off not kill it. The pistol really isn't for the bear but to shoot Doug in the leg so I could out run him. See, I could hear Marty laughing at that one right now. I could only imagine Marty's surprise as his father was there to greet him in Heaven Marty never knew his father recently also passed away. I will miss you Marty Ahrnes. Jesus said in my Fathers house are many mansions I go to prepare a place for you. Marty in your case Jesus has left your house incomplete knowing you would like to finish it. I look forward to one day having you show me around. P,S, Look up my dad he would be happy to give you a hand..
Marty Ahrnes and I worked together for the last 25 years, We worked in different areas, we also at times worked for the same supervisors/leaders sometimes in different areas some times next to each other. During the last few years we sat angular across from one another able to look an each others ugly mug if so desired. Trust me the view was better from my direction. I would occasionally ask drawing advice from him and he would call me over for some advice on machining parts. Over time we had gotten to know one another and formed a working friendship. This grew due our common interests house construction. I with my wife Marcia took on the task of adding on an addition to our house and Marty and Krys were renovating their house in Vernon Hills, We did spend some time bouncing our ideas and plans off one another, Talk about our kids, houses, vacation trips we had been on. We played softball together for one or two seasons, possibly one of the worst teams ever although we still had fun. Marty had a pretty healthy laugh and I enjoyed bringing it out. His smile could light up a room. Encouraging me to be funny is probably not a good thing. I know Marty had some tough times in his life but a lot of that disappeared when Krys stepped in. Doug and I were talking and he told me Marty always wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail. Well we were discussing that we could hike some of it for Marty this summer. I know it would be a rouged trip and I need to prepare. There are some wild animals out there and thought what we would need for protection. I suggested a pistol. Doug said that he would only have to outrun me and not the bear. A pistol would only piss a bear off not kill it. The pistol really isn't for the bear but to shoot Doug in the leg so I could out run him. See, I could hear Marty laughing at that one right now. I could only imagine Marty's surprise as his father was there to greet him in Heaven Marty never knew his father recently also passed away. I will miss you Marty Ahrnes. Jesus said in my Fathers house are many mansions I go to prepare a place for you. Marty in your case Jesus has left your house incomplete knowing you would like to finish it. I look forward to one day having you show me around. P,S, Look up my dad he would be happy to give you a hand..
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