This poem expresses gratitude for the many things one can be thankful for as a Rotarian, including friends, family, nature, freedom, service to the community, and the strength and guidance found through Rotary. It lists friends who provide support, families that bring love and new beginnings, animals that offer loyal companionship, the country that protects freedom of thought, and the ability to serve others through overcoming challenges with one's fellow Rotarians. The poem encourages gratitude for the "magic of life" and all it brings.

1. What are we thankful for as Rotarians ?
Well, let me tell you
It is .........
A thorough list of thanks it seems,
we share a common web of themes.
We are thankful for so many things
the magic of life and the joy it brings.
Thankful for our friends who share
every moment without a care.
They stand beside us throughout our life
they lend a hand in times of strife.
Friends that do just like they should
They lift our spirits as best they could.
We are thankful for families that shine with health
strong bonds that unite them are worth much more than wealth.
A parental connection with new paths and new starts
the love of our children we hold dear in our hearts.
We are thankful for the love that a new puppy brings ...
we are thankful for the songs that the songbird still sings.
We cherish the bonds with our animal friends
Loyal and true their love never ends.
We are thankful for our country and those who protect it .....
thankful for freedom and the thoughts that connect it.
Thanks to our vision to serve others together
we are thankful for strength in all kinds of weather.
We overcome roadblocks and push onward each day
our Rotarian guidelines will show us the way.
We are thankful for community and a place we can serve ....
working together we will surely
have nerve.
Service to others is our goal on this floor
a duty and honor to be so thankful for .......
Happy Thanksgiving everyone !!!
Mike Locander 11-23-10