A better place

I have a great family: four generations of loving, interested people who go to incredible effort to be around one another. I've got a kind, emotionally aware, understanding, beautiful wife who encourages me to indulge my whims and chase my dreams. And I've got some really good friends; the kind that survive spans of time and distance without seeming to lose any of the feeling of mutual excitement, respect, and comfort of being around each other; the kind to whom you can say the dumbest thing and not lose credibility or respect (we all seem to assume that any failure to communicate will be short and inconsequential - one of those self-fulfilling prophecies).

I feel thankful. So much that it seems obvious to me that anyone in my near vicinity should see gratitude dripping from my pores on a regular basis. But I guess I've not always been that adept at communicating that thanks in socially expected ways. I like the idea of giving cards, but I don't like the physical reality of them. I thoroughly enjoy giving gifts, but money is often scarce, and I don't like attaching a materialistic element to gratitude. Then there's my infinite potential for self-distraction. No excuses, here. I own it. But it is tricky.

This set of posts, "A better place", will be my attempt to notice and appreciate both the forest and the trees.
How do the people in my life make it a better place to be?

When they hear a question, they seek an answer. When they have a question, they ask it. When I have a problem, they seek a solution. When I need an extra pair of hands, they put on their work gloves. When I'm feeling reclusive they urge me out. When I need money, they lend it. When I'm lonely, they visit. When I'm late, they hold off. When I'm successful, they share in my bounty. When I'm chaotic, they bring order. When I'm slow, they wait up. When I'm cranky, they clown. When I'm wrong, they forgive me. When I hug, they hug back.