Constable: Thankful for three kids in college

Twenty-two years ago today, my wife and I became parents on a Thanksgiving Day. Our stomachs were empty, but our hearts were full as Cheryl gave birth to twin boys, Ross and Ben. Just as we do with more traditional Thanksgiving customs, we went back for another helping of parenthood, welcoming Will into our family in the spring of 1999. Since that glorious Thanksgiving of 1995, I've used this annual Thanksgiving column as an opportunity to list some of the things our family is thankful for during the past year. I appreciate your indulgence of my self-indulgence.

This year, we are thankful …

For the opportunity and ability to have three kids in college in three different time zones, and the realization of how lucky that makes us.

For the much-needed contributions and support from Grandma Lois and Grandpa Paul.

For the chance to see Ross set up his Midwest-themed film installation at the California Institute of the Arts, haul 1,000 pounds of dirt to spread on the floor for the premier, and then see his work featured locally through Facets.

For the opportunity to watch and appreciate our physicist, Ben, present his Lawrence University research on bismuth-doped zinc oxide films as part of the Midstates Consortium for Math and Science at the University of Chicago.

For the way Will has thrown himself into his freshman year at Earlham College, getting excited about classes and starting an animal rights club.

For the way our years of parent/child conversations have evolved into adult conversations about politics, gender, race and other issues where my wife and I end up learning things from our kids.

For the unrelenting passion that dominates Will's conversations about philosophy and ethics, Ben's conversations about physics and science, and Ross's conversations about film and art.

For Will's understanding as we try to embrace his vegan diet, but can't bring ourselves to celebrate Thanksgiving without an actual turkey.

For the gratitude, pride and joy we'll feel when Ben and Ross both graduate this spring, and the confidence we have that they possess the tools to figure out what comes next.

For the way Ross has developed connections with a diverse group of friends.

For the seamless way that Will's move from high school and club soccer gives him the freedom to play coed soccer for fun and develop a new interest in rock climbing and bouldering.

For the way that Ben ended more than a decade of oboe lessons to focus on physics for fall trimester, but is planning to rejoin an ensemble in 2018.

For the way Ross proudly hangs onto his Midwest roots after four years in Southern California.

For summer internships and a park district job that proved interesting and made money for all three sons.

For the way all the all-consuming responsibilities and scheduling issues that come with being parents of a high school student vanish the day after Will's graduation.

For Ben's newfound interest in running, and his 1:44 time in his first half-marathon.

For those times our family gets to spend with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, even if we miss Grandpa Willy, Grandma Jean and my brother, Bill.

For the realization that we might not know what our sons will end up doing for their livings, but we have a good idea of who they will end up being.

For the way my beautiful wife keeps track of three tuition payments, loans, deadlines, travel plans, doctor appointments and, well, everything, all while juggling the calendar to see when we all can be together again.

On this Thanksgiving, my family hopes you and your loved ones can compose a similar cornucopia of thanks.