Thanksgiving in Port Isabel carries a special kind of warmth, not just from the sun-kissed palm trees but from the deep, abiding gratitude that fills the air. This year, as Melody and I sit on the front lawn are, gazing out at beauty around us, I’m reminded of how much we have to be thankful for—not just the things we have, but the life we’ve built together.
Our stuff is not new, but it’s all paid for. There’s a certain freedom and joy in that, knowing we’ve worked hard for what we have and can now savor it. It’s not about shiny, perfect things—it’s about the stories they carry, the memories etched into their surfaces, and the people who’ve made them special.
Among all these treasures, there’s one that stands out to me—a medallion that Melody gave me years ago. It’s not flashy or extravagant, but its message is priceless:
“If I had to do it all over again, I would find you sooner so I could love you longer.”
Every time I hold my keys, that medallion reminds me of how grateful I am to have Melody in my life. Our journey together hasn’t been without challenges, but those bitter trials—those moments we thought might break us—turned out to be blessings in disguise. They taught us resilience, deepened our love, and made the good times shine even brighter.
Through it all, faith, hope, and love have been our guiding lights. Faith keeps us grounded, reminding us that there’s a greater plan, even when life feels uncertain. Hope gives us the strength to face each day with courage, believing that brighter moments are always ahead. And love—love binds it all together. Love is what brought us here, what carried us through the hardest times, and what fills our days with laughter, joy, and peace.
As we sit here, reflecting on it all, we can’t help but feel blessed beyond measure. The challenges we’ve faced, the victories we’ve shared, and the people who have walked this journey with us have all been part of an incredible tapestry of grace. We are reminded that life itself—every twist, turn, and unexpected joy—is a gift.
But life is not just about the things or even the place—it’s about the people. This year, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the amazing friends, family, and extended family who make this journey so rich. From the friends who’ve stood by us through thick and thin, to the family who remind us of where we’ve come from, and to the extended family who’ve embraced us with open arms, their love and presence make all the difference.
We’re especially grateful for our grown kids and grand kids, who fill our hearts with pride and joy, even from afar. Family isn’t always perfect, but it’s ours, and we hold onto the love that binds us.
And then, there’s Port Isabel—our sanctuary. This place has become a canvas for the life Melody and I are painting together, full of vibrant sunsets, poolside talks, and shared dreams. It’s here that we’re reminded of the simple truth: It is not happy people who are thankful, but thankful people who are happy.
This Thanksgiving, we carry the peace of knowing how truly blessed we are—with faith, hope, love, and the people who make life’s journey worth taking. From Port Isabel, with gratitude in our hearts and blessings beyond measure.