This marks the fifteenth year that I've sat at my desk, stared at my computer and wondered how I'm supposed to express what I feel as I watch another year wind down.

The 2015 calendar is winding down while my personal odometer continues to add miles. And I'm even more acutely aware that no matter how I say it, thanks doesn't begin to express what I feel.

At this point in my life, I'm probably more appreciative of every breathing cycle I complete than entire years as a child.

When I was young, I fully expected to live forever. Today, I have neither that mistaken impression or desire. Now, I'm not in any sort of hurry to "shuffle off this mortal coil" but today I realize that none of us are designed to hang around forever.

But I regret having considerably less time to savor every second of what's left than I did when time just couldn't pass fast enough to suit me. That bittersweet realization, like semi-sweet chocolate, is just another of those things that make the sweet that much sweeter.

In 2015 the industry has lost several great men- and women- I've been fortunate enough to have called friends and colleagues. And as we head into the holiday season, I miss each of them. It seems only appropriate to remember those who've gone before us.

Yes, the holidays are meant to be spent with family. To reflect on your good fortune and fondly reminisce about family members no longer gathered around your table-and to celebrate those new arrivals.

This year, we'll be spending our holiday with our first grandchild. I can hardly wait.
And with that admission, I have to say to each of you who told me that "things in your life will realign themselves with grandchildren" something: you were absolutely right.

It's amazing how much another manifestation of the arrival of the inarguable autumnal phase of my own life has energized me.

I'm looking forward to singing silly children's songs, making funny faces and (hopefully) convincing my creaky knees and tired old back to drop to the floor for pony rides. The old bronco won't buck like the one from 30 years younger, but this newest passenger will be just as precious a cargo.

Don't start me on the toys we've already squirreled away for Christmas. I doted on my children, but this grand baby thing is 'way beyond that.

OK, my personal goals have changed- significantly- over the years that have passed. When my daughters were born, I was still determined to get to the top of my profession - and, unfortunately, I wasted some of the early years of their childhood before I realized everything really important was at home- not in the office.

Yep, I'm thankful for my family as we prepare to overindulge in family, food and football this weekend.

But I would be wrong not to say - again - that I'm very thankful for each of you.

Fifteen Thanksgivings later, I'm no longer juggling a "real job" and a fledgling news wire. Heck, I don't even have a "real job" anymore. I look forward to sitting down at my computer and talking (yes, that's what I consider it) with each of you every day.

Your support has made that possible. Because if you weren't here, we wouldn't be either.

And I'm very thankful that today the pronoun "we" isn't wishful thinking. A large measure of our progress is because the"we" of today describes a great collection of subject matter experts.

A single bi-weekly news update has evolved into a digital network of services that will have distributed more than 63,000 news releases and hundreds of features to our subscribers and secondary readers this year.

But I'm also thankful there are other services out there offering news and information in lots of different ways. May sound strange, but I believe a variety of voices is necessary to accurately reflect what's happening in our world. And more than one of those you might consider my competitor I consider friends. We're all on the same side -supporting the outdoors, shooting sports and, ultimately, our uniquely American right to keep and bear arms.

We're not just sitting around being thankful over the next few days. We're working on new things, including growing our latest undertaking- the Starlight 3 Gun Series. Next week, we'll be announcing the initial date and location for the 2016 competition season -and there are still other events to come. Along with other "stuff."

But all that can wait a few days.

Beginning this afternoon, we're joining our families to celebrate Thanksgiving.

And I hope each of you has the opportunity to do the same. And if you know someone who doesn't have family, I hope you'll welcome them into yours.

Happy Thanksgiving, God bless, and we'll be back in your email next Monday morning.

—Jim Shepherd