Shooting from the Hip by Reid Sherwood
Things for Which I am Thankful
It has been a few weeks since my last blog post. It wasn’t that I didn’t have anything to say, but I didn’t have anything to say that mattered. Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I will reflect a bit on those things for which I am truly thankful. These are in no particular order except the last one.
I am thankful for volunteer firefighters — Many of you know the Sherwood clan had house fires in both October of 2008 and 2009. Nobody was hurt. We are grateful. Last Monday, our garage burned to the ground. Right now, we are a bit shell-shocked and scared to death of fire. But because of the quick work of a small volunteer department, the house was saved with only cosmetic damages.
I am thankful for freedom — Our school in town just re-dedicated a plaque to the students from Newaygo High School who served in WWII. A few of the veterans were there for the ceremony, and seeing them made the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many much more tangible. It was a time to reflect and remember why we have what we have.
I am thankful for my job — I am not looking for a raise. I am not even trying to blow any smoke/sunshine up anyone’s skirt. I am simply being honest. Classic Exhibits has been very good to me. We have a culture in the office/shop that is very friendly. There are no self-serving egos. There are just a bunch of people with a common goal: Enjoy your job so it is not really like working. Mel, Kevin, and Roy – Thanks a million!
I am thankful for my customers — Many of the people we deal with every day at Classic are people I have been associated with for 15 or 20 years. We have watched our industry change drastically in the past 20-some years. What hasn’t changed is how we enjoy our time together.
I am thankful for the things I have been able to see and do — A little country guy from NW Michigan normally doesn’t have the luck I have had (excluding the fires). I have been to some of the world’s greatest stadiums, concert venues, and restaurants. I have had the fortune of watching the sun set at Mallory Square several times. I have eaten in Emeril’s kitchen in New Orleans. I have had a cocktail with Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Charles Barkley. I saw Jack Morris pitch a no-hitter against the White Sox in 1984. To some people these things mean nothing . . . to me . . . they are everything.
I am thankful for the little town I grew up in — Many of you who read this will understand. Newaygo has been so good to my family for a hundred years. It was good to my grandfather. It was good to my father. And it has been good to me. It has been a great place to grow up, go to school, raise your kids. I love this place.
I am thankful for my parents — Everything that is good and right in my life I owe to my parents. Everything that is wrong is because I didn’t listen to them.
I am thankful for my friends — They make the good times better and the not so good times a lot more palatable. I am going to name just a few: Ron A., Kevin C., Dave B., Gina P., Scott L., Scott B., Cindi C., Richie, and Raytard.
I am thankful for my family — I make more family jokes than most stand up comic . . . but they are jokes. I can’t possibly love them any more than I do. My wife is a saint. You may find this hard to believe, but I am not the dream to live with you might think. Thanks to all.
Ultimately – I am grateful for so many things. The list could to on and on.
Have a great Thanksgiving and we will see you again Monday.
Until the next time,
–Reid Sherwood
reid@classicmodul.com