Today is the holiday dedicated for giving thanks and I have a lot of reasons to say “thank you” from events of the past year.

A year ago, on Thanksgiving, I lay in a coma in the intensive care unit of Roanoke Memorial Hospital but Amy tells me that day was when I woke up for a few minutes, said hello to her, knew who she was and talked for a few minutes before lapsing back into unconsciousness.

That, she says, made Thanksgiving 2012 special for her and for me.  We have made the long journey back from those dark, uncertain days a year ago because of the generous help and support of a lot of people and what I owe each of you out there is more than I can ever repay.

Your support, prayers and love were more than I deserved and helped me more fully appreciate life and our community.  I am forever in your debt and it is my hope that I can one day be there for any of you when needed.

Happy Thanksgiving from us.  You made the past year something special.