Thank You. Seriously.

A note to subscribers.

Auggie is grateful for green balls.

No politics, no punditry today. I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for you.

Happy Thanksgiving, from the bottom of my heart.

You don’t need me to tell you that these are difficult times. You know, because we have lived them together. The challenge is not only to keep our heads, our sanity, and our integrity intact, but also to take the time to reflect on our blessings.

And I have so much to be grateful for — my amazing and talented wife, Janet. My extraordinary children — my daughter Sandy, and my sons Jay, and Alex and their wives, Hollis and Claire. My grandchildren — Elliott, Silas, Charlotte, Emilia, and Tess — and the fact that I am able to watch them growing up. My constant companions, Auggie and Eli.

And you.

Some of you may remember when — quasi-unemployed at the time —I started this newsletter back in April.

I warned you: “This newsletter is going to be irregular, inconsistent, contrarian, often non-political, and usually accompanied by dog pictures. Actually, always accompanied by dog pictures. So don’t expect a daily (or even weekly) outpouring of insight… and it’s not going to be a replacement for Morning Shots. But it’s going to be free, so there’s that.”

I didn’t know what to expect. But I certainly did not expect all of you marvelous, smart, lovely, and exceptionally generous people, who stepped up to support me.

So, I had to send you this note today.

Thank you for reading.

Thank you for your intelligent comments.

Thank you for subscribing. And thank you for your generosity, especially those of you have chosen to pay for a free newsletter. I want you to know that it has made a huge difference in my life and inspired me to face what lies ahead.

I am keenly aware that there are many demands on your time, so much to keep up with and read. It can be overwhelming. I know that, right now, there’s a temptation (not completely unhealthy) to look away and tune out. So, the fact that you are here — reading, commenting, and subscribing — is a genuine gift.

And I wanted you to know how much it means to me — and the dogs — who are thoroughly enjoying their Substack celebrity.

Going forward: Your support has inspired me to focus on this newsletter, which I hope to put out more frequently next year. Also: I plan/hope to add a podcast for paying subscribers in February. I’ve really missed talking with you.

But, for the moment, let’s enjoy the holiday; take inventory of the miracle of our lives; and take the time to tell the people and dogs we love how grateful we are for them and for the ones who are still in our hearts.

Like Pete.

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And the boys.

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And never forget: You are not the crazy ones.

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To the Contrary is a reader-supported publication. You may disagree with me from time to time (and I expect you will, because I’m not promising you a safe space here). But I’ll always try to give it to you straight. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. (And I’m immensely grateful for your generous support.)