The People Who Anchor You

As we head into Thanksgiving week, I keep coming back to the people who anchor us, not in the loud moments, but in the quiet ones. The ones who show up before we even realize we’re drifting.

When I look back over the years, through storms, U-turns, treadmill days, early mornings, and weeks that felt like mayhem, there’s always been someone steady in the background.

Someone who listens.
Someone who nudges.

Someone who cares without needing credit.
I think of my dad and the calm he carried.
I think of my stepdad and all the lessons hidden in our adventures.
I think of Randy and Matt, the stories, the kindness, the impact they never knew they had.

And then there are the anchors still here today:

My mother — who has shown up for me in every situation, no matter how heavy or complicated. Her strength is stitched into every season of my life.

My wife — pushing through her own aches and pains, still showing up for our family, for her patients, for everyone who needs her. Her endurance is a reminder of what love in motion looks like.

My girls — who keep me centered without even knowing it. A text, a smile, a moment… they pull me back to what really matters.

Friends — old and new, the ones who stay positive, present, and generous with their energy. They’ve carried me through chapters they didn’t even know were hard.

Gratitude isn’t just about what we have; it’s about who held us together while we were becoming who we are.

This week, while the world speeds up, I’m slowing down just enough to appreciate the people who’ve been my anchors, past and present.

Double Coffee Reflection:

Who’s the person you’re grateful for today, the one who steadied you when life was moving too fast?