Thank You

Well, it's late once again, and I'm really, really tired, but Liane and I just finished designing the programs for our wedding, and it kind of prompted me to post something. In the program (or bulletin, whatever you want to call it) we have a page of thank-yous. It's a cramped page, with nearly illegible 8-point font, but there still isn't enough room to thank everyone. So I wanted to expand upon it a bit. Now I realize in doing this, I am likely to offend someone by forgetting to mention them, but hey, it's after 12 p.m. and I've got so much on my mind, it's inevitable that I'll forget someone. And for that, I apologize in advance...hope you can forgive me :)

Where to begin. Well, that's pretty simple...start with those who gave me my start. To my parents, for being everything parents should be, and nothing they shouldn't. For being supportive, but never smothering, for letting me make my own mistakes, but never saying "I told you so". For the countless times you listened to me till the wee hours of the morning. There is no one I would rather trust with my deepest secrets than you. Somehow you've figured out how to be both parent and friend. Though you were never perfect, if I could be just like you, I wouldn't want to change a thing. You have shown me what it is to live a life for God.

To my siblings...Stace, Heath, Ash, and Dusty. I could write a book on this one! You are amazing. You'd have to be to put up with me all those years! You guys make me the proudest brother in the world. Each one of you is so gifted in your own way, and it's exciting to see how you put that to work. Aim high, never settle for anything but the best. Thank you for being there to listen to me, I hope I've done, and will do the same for you. It's crazy to see the way you guys are all growing up!

Stace, I don't know how you beat me to it, but I'm glad you did...I've learned so much from you and Keith. Thanks for making me an uncle! You have always been there when I needed to talk (usually about girls :) and your advice was saved me from many a heartache I'm sure. Thank you for your encouragement. The times we've been able to sing together have been some of the most special times in my life. Not sure if I ever told you how much I missed you while you were gone, but I did.

Ash, you never cease to amaze me. You won't let anything keep you down! Thanks for keeping things "interesting" at the table :) Not sure what mom would do without you! So it's off to bible school, eh? Hope you have an amazing time! You have been like a sister to me, and you fit so perfectly into our family. If only the rest of us could tan like you :)

To Heath...there is something different about you...something quiet...something I can't put my finger on, but it's something that makes me feel so close to you. Maybe it's 'cause we're so much alike. Thanks for being my fussy buddy! And you have the best musical taste ever! That brain of yours never ceases to amaze me...make sure you use it to the fullest! You've become such a Godly young woman. I know you're gonna make *cough* Mr. Fehr *cough* ;) a real good wife someday!

Dusty...what can I say...you're my big little brother. I changed your diapers. I'm sure you peed on me at least once. But I forgive you :) I feel like I owe you an apology for all the times you wanted to do stuff with me, and I thought I had better stuff to do. I know when you were little you looked up to me and always wanted to do whatever I was doing. I hope I didn't let you down. It's been awesome to see the way our friendship has grown over the years though. When I moved back home, the best part was being around you again. You can come hang out at our place any time! God has given you so many talents...find out just how much you can do for him with them! Can't wait to see you on the main stage at Sonshine :)

To my friends:
To Bruce, from Supercross to sharing the place with you, to getting to know you as part of the family, it's been some good times indeed.
To Keith, you're part of the family, but you've become a great friend too. Thanks for taking such good care of my sister! One of these days we're gonna have to start a band...maybe it'll have to wait until the kids are grown up and we're all retired, but someday we're gonna make it happen!
To Nat, Josh, and Tim: I can't image what my life would have been like if you guys hadn't moved here way back when. From keeping me accountable to getting me in trouble, you guys were always there for me! Someday you're gonna have to move back here guys...c'mon, Winkler's the closest place to heaven!

Grandpa Thiessen: I don't think anyone has ever been as proud to be a part of a family as I am to yours. You and Grandma were (and are) such wonderful grandparents. I looked forward to going to your house more than anything else. Family gatherings were so much fun, and getting to spend the nights at your house...well, it was the best. You and Grandma have been such an example to me...if I could raise I family like yours, I couldn't ask for anything more. I know as I've gotten older I haven't spent as much time with you as when I was little. It's not the way I want it to be though, and I hope we can do more together in the future.

Grandma and Grandpa Wolfe: I would have to say the same thing as above, although I don't remember staying for night at your place. I know we both hoped that when I moved so close to you a few years ago that maybe we would see each other more often. It's probably been more the opposite...life is busy! I hope you know you always have an open invitation here too!

To all of my aunts and uncles: It's funny how close my mom and my dad's siblings are: the Wolfes and the Thiessens are both hilarious. I have always enjoyed getting together with you guys.

To my new family, the Nikels: Isn't it crazy how God works things out? When Heinrich and Irene moved to Canada and rented my place, I don't even think I knew you had a sister! Thanks for introducing us! Alex and Julie...you guys have been my friends the longest I guess...it's been great getting to know you. You guys gave me a great first impression of the Nikels! Your hospitality has been so appreciated. I can't wait to spend time with all of you guys (and to finally meet Daniel & Anna and family!)...I still feel like I hardly know you...I guess aside from church, Liane and I have only been together for a few months. Thanks for treating me like part of the family. To Papa and Mama, guess someone will have to translate this, wish I could say it in german. I can't wait for the day when we can communicate in the same language. We'll probably talk a little more then! You really have been just like parents to me already...from feeding me, to showing me what forgiveness is all about when I hit your car. Hey, Liane told me the other day that you said you would only forgive me if I married her...pretty funny ;) Actually, the only reason I'm marrying Liane is because you Nikels all have such darned cute kids, and I want some cute kids of my own. JUST KIDDING LIANE!!!

To my church family: if it takes a village to raise a child, you guys were a big part of my village. Thanks for praying for me (and us!), for encouraging me, keeping me accountable, and putting up with my guitar almost every sunday. I hope we can all grow old together, becoming more like Christ every day. To Mike and Renee: you have been such mentors and friends. Thank you.

To my co-workers: Harry and Erika, you guys are wonderful employers, and working for you is a blast. You really do make coming to work every day a pleasure. Thanks for giving me a second...and third chance...maybe I've finally got it figured out! To Ron and Gretna, you guys make the days fly by...thanks for putting up with me :)

Well, since these are the thank-yous for our wedding program, Liane and I hadn't thanked each other, but what would this post be without it? Liane, thank you. Thanks for not running out the door after Irene left on that evening last December. Thank you giving me a second chance, and a third chance, for the chances you'll likely give me for the rest of my life. You have shown me what forgiveness means. Thank you for being so patient with me, while I try to adjust to this new life of non-singleness. You have inspired me and encouraged me to reach new heights. You are there for me when I'm down, you're there to share my joy when I'm up. You have sacrificed much for me...know that it has not gone unnoticed. I. Love. You. And I'll stop right there for the sake of those reading this :)

1:00 a.m. Yeah, I guess it's time to stop. Never realized I'm such a sentimental person, but thinking about all of this nearly brings a guy to tears. Yikes! Alrighty, ta ta for now.