For me it was like Bill above (be well!), only the patient was my father. So far so good, but it makes you think about a lot of things, esp. your priorities in life.. Luckily my little daughter helped me see what real life was when we were kids and I am thankful of that..

Merry Christmas to everybody

P.S.: @LostTactic: very sad to hear your story - I wish you good health for you and the other members of your family

I've been pretty content this year, up till the 13th of November when my dad rang me up and told me my youngest brother Matthew had died. Still not really sunk in yet (probably will do a bit more tomorrow), I've just buried myself in my University and Chess study the last month to take my mind off it. I am thankful though that I still have my: mum, dad, remaining brother Martin and Uni Counsellor Myra. I still have Martin's 4 month tour in Afghanistan to look forward to in a few months, I'm not a religous person but I will be praying everyday and if he does come home safe I will start believing.

I'm thankful for staying alive and well after a car accident this year.
It was a tough year for me, but I think we always have to find the good in the bad.
So thank God for all this!

The holiday season can be an enjoyable time of rest and fun with family and friends but it can also be a difficult time for people who have experienced loss or face challenges with health or other types of problems.  I was thinking it would be an encouragement for all our forum members if people wanted to share something that they are particularly thankful for in the past year.

What inspired me to suggest this is my own experience in 2012.  Early in the year I received the unpleasant surprise of a cancer diagnosis, experienced the anxiety of testing and treatment options, underwent surgery and difficult recovery and am now happy to report that I am cancer free!   One of the things that helped me through it were people who shared their own journeys with me.  My story has turned out as well as I could have hoped for, but I know many others who have not had such a positive outcome or are still battling one of the most difficult opponents we will ever face.  As a result of my experience it has made me even more thankful for my God, friends and family and the opportunity to enjoy activities like sports, music or chess (and ChessPublishing.com!) that I may have taken for granted in the past.

Merry Christmas.

Bill