Happy Holidays from Kealy.com

Like many others, I have been trying to make sense of the tragedy of September 11. It’s the kind of event that makes you examine all aspects of your life- love, family, friends career, and spiritual. As someone with a lot of ambivalence about God, I find myself envious of those who find real comfort in religion. I recently read a quote about God that has given me some comfort. “You don’t believe in God like you believe in a tree, you believe in God like you believe in a friend.”
I believe deeply in my friends and my family.

We have a fairly common tradition around the dinner table on Thanksgiving of going around the table and having everyone say what they are thankful for. This year was particularly touching because my traditional family gathering was spared the pain that many were not. My uncle Tom Egan was there, carving the turkey, leading the pre-meal prayer, and watching football. He was there because on September 11 he was in Nantucket on vacation instead of working at Cantor Fitzgerald at the top of the World Trade Center. For that, I am eternally thankful.

I got to spend Thanksgiving day with my family where, before dinner, my brother, Sean, and I challenged my cousins Tom and Carey Egan to some football on the lawn. Jen Egan’s boyfriend, Patrik joined us to toss the ball around. The youngest family members on the scene toddled about. Therese debuted the song she will sing for Vickie and I at our wedding. Everyone got a chance to catch up. All in all a great day. For my family that was and wasn’t present, I am thankful.

The day before Thanksgiving we discovered one of the cats was sick and would need to take antibiotics while were away. Without a single word of complaint my friend and groomsman, Rob Ionta took care of the job. I am always very thankful to know I have friends like that I can count on..

The day after Thanksgiving my grandmother, Mia, threw Vickie a wedding shower. Sweet, sweet Vickie. What can I say? She is my family and my best friend. So I am particularly and fondly thankful to have her in my life.

In general, in light of recent events, I find myself wanting to thank God, as a friend for…well, everything. You can’t say thank you enough.

Happy Holiday to everyone!
-Ben Kealy