Some thoughts for [[Thanksgiving 1999]]

It’s been another great year!

##It’s A Wonderful Life

I just finished watching [[It’s A Wonderful Life]]. What a wonderful movie. What an appropriate movie for Thanksgiving! If we pay close attention to the message of the film, we can realize that as long as we have friends and have been a good person, we can’t be a failure in life.

George Bailey considered himself to be a failure because he was never able to “make it” financially and get out of the two-horse town that he grew up in. But when he got a chance to see what life would have been like for everyone around him had he not been born, he realized that he was in fact a huge success. What an incredible gift to be given!

I heard an interview with Jimmy Stewart in which he said that the movie almost didn’t get made because it was too far fetched. But Frank Capra convinced the studio to let him do it. Jimmy didn’t need any convincing. “If you’re making it Frank, I’m in!” What a gift they gave us! Wherever you are Frank and Jimmy, thank you for reminding me of the important things in life!

##A time for reflection

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the life that we’ve made for ourselves, and to appreciate all the goodness that has come back around to us from those around us that care about us. It’s a time to remember the truly important things in our lives, the important things. It’s a time to remember that life is so much more than what we have. It’s about how we live and how we affect those around us.

Looking back on the year since[[Thanksgiving 1998]], I find that I have a lot to be thankful for.

###Some things to be thankful for:

• A wonderful vacation to Nova Scotia: [[August 1999 Trip Report]]
• A trip to the Montreal Jazz Festival: [[July 1999 Trip Report]]
• [[1999 Ryder Cup Thoughts]]
• [[Requiem For A saxophone]] It was time. And since I got the new one, I’ve had nothing but compliments about my playing. I guess sometimes new equipment can boost your confidence and help you play better.
• Good schools! I have to say that I’m tremendously happy with the schools that my children attend.
• My family! I can honestly say that I have nothing but pride in my family (both immediate and extended). They are all some of the best people I’ve ever known (especially you Mom)!

###Some things to remember:

• [[When You Least Expect It]]
• [[Requiem For A saxophone]]
• [[January 1999 Trip Report]]
• [[Payneful News]]
• Mel Torme. I can’t believe he’s gone! He had one of the most spectacular voices I’ve ever heard. His range and subtlety were amazing.
• Kenny Kirkland. Great piano player… he will be missed.
• Frank Sinatra. ‘Nuff said.