Well, today's the first Thanksgiving holiday in the United States since your departure, my brother. Today is especially difficult. How could we possibly celebrate the holiday and give thanks when the pain is acute and real. Giving thanks without my brother around, smiling, texting, debating on the phone, and telling outrageous jokes as we reminisce about the past? How could we give thanks? Negotiating through the day has been confusing but as the Bible says, in all thing we must give thanks. And there are things to be thankful for: I thank God for you, your life, the impact you had on so many people. I'm thankful for God comforting your family, your wonderful wife and incredible kids you loved more than anything, in this most difficult time. I'm thankful. So that's Thanksgiving. It is somber, less hilarity, no feuding over the best football team, and no brothers-in-arms up to their usual antics. Your silence is felt. So is your presence. Your warmth. Your memory. Your smile. And your spirit. For that, I will be eternally thankful. Good night, my brother. ~Akin Adepoju