I am Thankful By: Jim Gandolf

I am Thankful

Poem

By: Jim Gandolf 

©️11272025

The Grateful Road of Jim Gandolf

The story starts with a page torn out,

A divide at nine months, a shadow of doubt.

I walked the early years not knowing the face,

Of the father whose blood ran through my veins in this place.

But the calendar turned, and at four years old,

I met him at last—a memory to hold.

Yet the house held storms that a child shouldn’t know,

With a stepfather lost to the bottle's dark glow.

Abuse was the language, the air heavy and thick,

A lesson in survival I had to learn quick.

Then came the second, with a heart cold and gray,

bound for the prison, locking kindness away.

But look at the light that broke through the seams,

The abundance of family filling my dreams.

To the Uncles and Aunts who stood like a wall,

Who caught me with love when I started to fall.

And the friends who remained when the waters got rough,

Who taught me that friendship is more than enough.

I found my ignition, a fire to chase,

In the roar of the engines, the thrill of the race.

The industry held me, it kept me on track,

Motivated to move, never looking back.

For the lessons were hard, but they polished the soul,

Making me grateful, making me whole.

Then came the blessing that healed every scar,

Meeting my wife, my life’s brightest star.

To the gift of my children, the legacy grown,

The greatest compassion that I’ve ever known.

For the safety provided, for the peace now restored,

I bow up my head and I thank you, oh Lord.

For the beautiful moments, for the struggles and strife,

I am Jim Gandolf, and I am thankful for life. 

Jim Gandolf 

I am thankful for everyone who I have met,the good, and the hateful. 

What got me through the bad days  was writing and strong friendships that are even greater today. 

Grateful for my brothers and sisters. 

Thank you Mom.

Thank you stepmothers.