Thanksgiving will forever be one of my favorite holidays. Football, food, people and blessings rule the day. And as I was walking home from the laundromat, a man came to me and asked for some change; he was hungry. I didn't even have to think twice about what I was going to do next.

I gave the man a few dollars -- he thanked me, we shook hands and went our separate ways. I've always tried to give to the less fortunate because even though I've never been in their shoes, I know that I can at least make that person smile and improve their day.

And no matter how many times I've been called an a**hole in my life, I can at least be thankful for trying to help others and make them smile along the way. I guess you can say I'm a really nice guy.

I'm thankful to the Lord above for everything that I have in my life, all my friends, family and everything in between. So in the spirit of being thankful for Thanksgiving, I dedicate this to all of you.

My Family

I know, I know, I've been a stubborn boy ever since I was a wee little baby. But I'll always love and support my family.

To my father, I will always be thankful for him for showing me the world of sports. Now it seems like all we ever talk about; it makes me smile knowing we can bond over that topic. He's shown and educated me about soccer, the same way I educated and showed him the world of football. I help him with his NFL picks for his player pool at his job (let's just say we are .500 at best). We've gone to multiple sporting events in our lives, and all I want is more of that. I remember getting rewarded with video games every time I had good grades on my report card. It got crazy after a while because I was getting such good grades that I didn't have enough room in my drawers to store all my video games. As the years rolled on, you took me under your wing as I was working at your job. Man, waking up at 3:40am never felt so horrible! I'm surprised I didn't fall asleep while showering. Those workdays with you -- delivering and carrying furniture to houses -- taught me all about the grind of hardwork. Come to think of it, I don't miss those workdays at all only because they were so brutal and taxing on our bodies. Nowadays, you got me my first car, taught me how to drive and to never use excuses for reasoning. Man, I love you to death. I'm glad I'm your only son and let's keep on rocking. I'm thankful for you.

To my mother, don't worry, I'll take the trash out as soon as I'm done with this. But seriously, you are the queen of the house and the most beautiful woman alive (don't tell my future lover about this). I'm glad you've been able to put up with me throughout all my BS. I know I haven't always made you proud, but I'm at least happy we've bonded more over the past few years. I'm still waiting on you to teach me how to cook, even if you taught me everything else that there is to learn. Passionate, caring, and straightforward -- you've made me become all those things and I couldn't be happier for it. You've showed me the path to the Lord when you took me and my sisters to church and church school. Now I always try to keep God with me wherever I go with a rosary on my neck. There's a running joke you have of me, saying that I took all your breastmilk away from you and away from my sisters. And because of that, I got taller than you and can eat like an animal. You were there for my first surgery, and always helped me whenever you could. I'm grateful to be your only son. I love you mom, thank you for being so supportive. I will now take out that trash, I'm thankful for you.

To my two sisters, man I feel great for being the oldest out of all of us. Yes, you guys have given me headaches and have annoyed me to no end, but you know I got love for y'all. I try my best to help you two out no matter, whether it's in school or by teaching you a thing or two about something else. And yes, I've been selfish, that's kind of how it has to be between siblings, but y'all have got the better of me at times. You guys are growing up faster every single day. All the trips to the mall, eating food and buying clothes and picking our places to go to on weekends. I will always be your big brother while you two will always be my little sisters. I'm thankful for you. Now give me the TV remote, I got to watch the game.

My Friends

I won't include names here -- you guys know I will forget some of y'all. With that out the way: man, you guys are fun to be around. You people make me laugh; you make me smarter, faster, and stronger. I love every single minute when I'm hanging out with you. All the conversations we have; the banter, the trips to the movies, restaurants, school trips.

To all my coworkers, I love you guys with everything in me, I couldn't ask for better people to work with. Even though you guys annoy me at times, I know it's all out of love. I love being with you guys, my friends. You all know who you are. I wish I could hug each and every single one of you guys tightly. I'm glad I can make you guys smile and laugh. You guys keep my feet on the ground and my head on my shoulders. As long as we go through this world and this life together, I'll be fine with all of you by my side. I love all of you. Yes, all of you. You all have a place in my heart, and there's room for everyone. I'm thankful for you.

I hope that everyone that reads this has a Happy Thanksgiving and beyond. I give you all my love, my loyalty, my hugs and kisses. Thank you from the bottom of my heart: I love you, each and every single one of you. God Bless.