"Be thankful for what you have. You could have a lot less."

Goodbyes are a part of life, but that doesn't always mean they're easy.

Somebody at work left for greener pastures recently.

At his going away party, he said something that I'll remember for the rest of my life.

He said: "Be thankful for what you have. You could have a lot less."

It's short, simple, and to the point.

It's wonderful advice. I hope that message reached everyone who was in the room at the time.

Why was hearing those words so important to me?

I don't have a lot of material possessions at this point in my life. That has bothered me in the past, but right now I'm okay with it.

I'm going to take Pete's advice and give thanks for the many blessings I do have in my life.

The greatest thing I ever did for myself was finish my degree. I struggled to get there. Who, besides me, goes to three different schools in five years?

Finishing that degree led to every professional job I've had, and it's why I'm in the job I currently have.

I've been influenced by some really great leaders. I can't even describe how thankful I am to be surrounded by smart, talented people who care about the communities and the world they live in.

Yeah, when you finish college and get a 'real' job, you get a paycheck, contribute to a retirement account and get health insurance. Those are important things to have in life.

But it's more important to have people in your corner who believe in you and want you to succeed.

I've gone to Pete many times for advice, not only for work, but for life in general. He was always in my corner.

When life didn't work out or go as expected, he offered words of encouragement. Something better will happen to you, he said.

I believe him.

When my nieces were born early and in the hospital, he told me stories about his kids and the hospital visits when they were young. Those were nice stories to hear during a really stressful time. To his adult kids: He loves you and talks about you all the time.

I could say a lot more, but I think I'll stop there.

I may also need to find a tissue.

Ahem.

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There's something to be said about people who encourage you through tough times verses those people who criticize you through hard times.

I've learned a lot over the past year about how to treat people. I learned by example, by being fortunate enough to be around wonderful people.

Thank you, both to Pete and to others I've learned from.

My life is better because I met you.