You Have My Gratitude - 2009

I can't do it. I tried but after I listed over 100 people that I've met this year, I simply can't get all of the names and Twitter handles linked. So I'm going to give you my top 8 people or groups I'm most thankful for.

8 - The people in the LeadChange group The people that connected with me on Twitter and who joined this group on LinkedIn when it was brand new I will forever be grateful for.  I am convinced that the world cannot fathom the power of a few committed people working toward a noble cause. I'm honored that you've stepped forward to say that you're FOR character-based leadership and you want to see leaders make a positive difference.  Thank you. I'm truly honored.  Other Twitter friends both local and distant, that are not in the Lead Change Group can be found on this list and on any of my Twitter Lists like the one for Fox23.  It's truly been a great year because of you. You have made the single greatest difference in my life this year.  Thank you!

7 - My friends from church. Vicky and I have been "in transition" regarding church for too long. It has challenged our ability to connect with some great friends we used to see every Sunday. We're praying for you.

6 - My former co-workers at ChoicePay. The organization had grown to be quite a community. Everyone was torn when the company had to be sold.  Even today, 11 months later, there is still a lot of hurt and anguish. I don't want to lose my connection to you, so please stay in touch and let me know if I can do anything to help.

5 - My extended family. My parents Jack & Shirley Henry, brother Mark and his wife Joy and son Luke, and brother Matt and his wive Kristen, and daughters Rachel and Kathryn.  I have a great heritage and I'm thankful for my family.

3 (tie) - My daughter Jessica. She's a passionate, committed leader stuck in the economic downturn and trying to find her place to make a real difference. She has tremendous courage, desires to never compromise, and, like me will probably learn a lot by trial and error. I'm thankful for her love and her spirit.

3 (tie) - My son Mike Jr. and his wife Ashley and their son Colton. I have tremendous respect for my son and his wife as they build a family and make the right choices raising Colton every day. It's not easy in their situation but their courage, commitment to each other, and their attitude is contagious.

2 - My wife Vicky. I am honored that a lady of this caliber loves me. I mean she really loves me! It blows me away. She makes me better every day. Almost nothing of what you know about me today was true when we were married. Marrying Vicky is still (after 26 years) still the smartest thing I've ever done.

1 - Jesus Christ. Twenty-two years ago I decided to live like the Bible was right and my life was changed. For those of you who don't believe in all of the "religious stuff," I must confess that I don't agree with most "religion" and I fall woefully short of what I claim to believe.   But I do know I was changed when I decided I would line my life up with the Bible. I've learned things I never would have known and I have a hope that is difficult to explain except for the explanation in the Bible. My life was changed that November day in 1987.

You're here.  Maybe in more than one place.  I am humbled that you'd read this far.  Thank you for being connected with me. I'd like to honor that connection, so please let me know if I can do anything to help you in 2010.  It's going to be one heck of a year!