Thanksgiving means something different for everyone. We all have different experiences that teach us that nothing is certain and nothing should be taken for granted. If we are wise, we will heed these lessons and pass those blessings and feelings of gratitude to another generation. No matter how much you attain in life, if it is not appreciated , it immediately loses value to you and everyone around you. This is my story about Thanksgiving 2005, the day I said goodbye to a year of combat operations in the Anbar Province.