I write this note of gratitude 

From the eye of the storm 

My humble prayers

and words of gratefulness 

A shelter will form 

I am grateful for the love of my bride 

I am grateful we can share

I am grateful that I can carry

Those things she can not bear. 

Grateful for the knowledge 

I have gained along the way

The kindness of recent strangers 

Whose shoulders Ive leaned on

Whose stories are mirrors

Whose signposts keep us all

from going astray

These words I have written

And those I will write

Help me cherish the gifts I’ve been given

And to acknowledge the light

They give me the strength and the courage 

To seek the brightness of morning 

In the darkness of night.