“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” ~ Cicero

It’s interesting how the universe works.  Every year around this time, I am reminded how fortunate I am.

This morning I watched a tear-jerker video on facebook that reminded me just how much I have to be thankful for.

Let me tell you about Choi Sung-Bong.

Choi was abandoned and left to an orphanage at three years old.

By age 5 he ran away from the orphanage, and chose a life on the streets, because of the regular abuse he suffered at the orphanage.

At the tender age of 5, just to survive, he sold gum and energy drinks at a nightclub and to passerby’s.

He later met a woman who ran the food cart outside of the night club, who gave him the name Ji-Sung–prior to their encounter, he did not have a name!

Can you imagine not even having a name?

Choi was inspired to pursue a career in music when he was 12 years old after listening to a classical vocalist at the nightclub where he sold gum.  He was fascinated by the sincerity of the vocalist.

In the video you will see him say, “I don’t sing that well, but when I sing, I feel like I become a different person.”

I want to thank Choi Ji-Sung for the gift he is.

And I want to apologize to him for ever complaining about anything in my life.  I truly am sorry.

I am thankful for so many things.

• I am thankful for a mother that has taught me strength and grace.
• I am thankful for a family that has never let me down.
• I am thankful for a truly amazing friend and business partner who teaches me to grow everyday.
• I am thankful for a career that allows me to help people.
• I am thankful for my health (even though I take if for granted some times :P)
• I am thankful for my relationship with my friends who always make me laugh.
• I am thankful that I live in a safe country.

Please take the time to watch the video.

HERE IS THE LINK TO WATCH VIDEO

It is a great story and will give you great perspective about how truly thankful we should be.

 

Gobble, Gobble,

 

Jeff Paro
“The Turkey Slayer”