Thinking about this past year, many important things have happened around the world and in my personal life. There are not a lot of things I can change in the world but many things that I can change in my personal life.

Together we can make our country great, a business successful, and a family strong. I have been blessed to have a large family full of love and loyalty. It isn’t always easy to hold that together. The one thing we all were taught is to work out any issues and stand by each in good and bad times. This philosophy also holds well for friends. Loyal friends should be at each other’s side in good and bad. In business be loyal to your employees and clients who have been loyal to you, in return that will bring success. Just think what the world would be like if everyone respected others opinion and values. One person can make a difference for others to follow. 

This year I realized more so than any other time in my life what really is important and I should be thankful for. My family comes first, then my friends and then my work and the people I work with and for. This Thanksgiving I have a lot to be thankful for, my family, friends and the people of NEREJ, who are my work family and are the best. 

I wish all of the New England Real Estate Journal’s subscribers, advertisers and NEREJ Summit attendees a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.

Rick Kaplan is the event coordinator at NEREJ, Norwell, Mass.