As I have gotten older, I have thought more around this time of year about all the blessings that I am truly thankful for.

Sometimes, I think we all take for granted the important things in life that we should be concerned about. This world has gotten to be in such a hurry and often times we should slow down and consider how blessed we are.

Take a step back and enjoy the simple things in life. A wise man once said, &uot;If you take care of the little things, the big things will take care of themselves.&uot;

During this Thanksgiving week, I am thinking of the important things to me. I have made of list of the things I am thankful for. Sitting down and doing a list of your own could really open your eyes. I highly recommend it.

I am thankful:

For Stephanie, my wife, who is behind everything good that I have done in the last seven years. For McKenzie, the most precious and loving daughter that I could ever hope for.

To have an opportunity to work and live in such a close-knit and hospitable place.

For the staff of the News-Herald and the Gates County Index for welcoming me with open arms.

For my Mom and Dad, for Stephanie’s Mom and Dad, Maw-Maw, Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, and Pawpaw. I love all of them very much.

That I have aunts, uncles, and cousins that still eat Sunday lunch at Maw-Maw’s house once per month.

For all the brave men and women who are in a forgeign land and without their families this Thanksgiving, providing the freedom for us to be with our families.

For all the people who still remove their hats and place their hands over their hearts when our National Anthem is played.

That some people still hold doors open for ladies and say &uot;Yes ma’am.&uot;

For my mom’s potato salad and cornbread.

For my wife’s white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.

That the University of Alabama’s football team is off probation and hopefully looking at better days ahead.

That the National Hockey League is on strike.

For my black Labrador retriever, Dakota, for being my friend for eight years and that she recovers fully from her recent bout with heartworms.

For my other dog, Sparky, for being my daughter’s best friend and protecting her.

For all the people who still grow gardens and love to share the bounty with their neighbors. I am also thankful for home-grown tomatoes on white bread in the summer time.

That Dale Earnhardt, Sr. had a son that carries on his tradition of great race car driving.

For the radio stations that still play Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard every once and a while.

To live in an area of the country where you can look into the sky and still see the stars.

On behalf of the family at the News-Herald and Gates County Index, have a great Thanksgiving and I hope you consider the things that you are thankful for.