Thanksgiving 2001

Karl Martino - 2/7/2002

I've gotten in the habbit of writing a letter around Thanksgiving to give thanks. This year I couldn't do it, the horror of September 11th and my brother's son's death a few days later from SIDS were just too much to comprehend.

The following weeks were terrible. Work was going crazy, with the MarketLeader project, and my personal life felt torn with sorrow. Too many people I love were hurt.

Now, I think I'm far enough away to finally do this.

I want to give thanks for:

My wife Richelle. I can write a million songs about us. There are a million songs about us. Year after year you continue to be the most compassionate, intelligent, warm, sexy human being on the face of the earth. I thank God for bringing you to me.

My brother, his wife Katie, and their three children. Mathew, Brendan, and Hunter. Katie for being to my brother what Richelle is to me. We are both blessed guys.

Mathew for being as strong as he was at Hunter's funeral. You were an inspiration.

Brendan for being a laugh a minute. For having my brother's mischevious style.

Hunter for getting to know you for the short three months that we did. You're giggle and smile lit up the world.

My wife's first real job. A job with incredible responsibility as a graphic designer/page layout person for a competing newspaper. I know you were scared about that first job. But you're kicking ass as I know you would.

My job - for being as tough as it is. As challenging as it is. As frustrating as it is. And as paycheck giving as it is.

My coworkers - how is it that in the last three companies I've worked for - I've worked with such talented, cool people? Thank you for getting me out to bars and learning to play pool (every Thursday :)). I was such a hermit before.

For my computer programming career. A career that's allowed me to still be me and make a living.

For having an apartment, a place to sleep that is warm and safe.

For being an American. Where else can a kid like me, whose come from poverty, make it to the middle class?

For the statistics not applying to my family. My brother's and my backgrounds statistically stack the deck against us. We've defyed them somehow.

For music man. Music. For rock n' roll. For Bon Jovi's comeback. For "It's My Life" at the NY tribute. For Mick Jagger doing "Salt of the Earth" at the same tribute. For U2 for "Where the Streets Have No Name" at the Superbowl. Music can help you to heal. Music has always given me extra strength.

Thank you God. For everything.

PS - This is a practice I picked up reading Scripting News a few years back.