This time of year is special.

Besides the turkey, dressing, pumpkin pie and football on television, Thanksgiving is a time to really ponder what we have and the blessings that we have been given. Over the past several years, I sit down and make a list of the big things for which I am thankful.

Some of the things are obvious, but the little things are what make the difference. During this Thanksgiving week, I am thinking about all the things that are important to me. This little exercise will make you realize all the blessings that you do have and make you forget the things you don’t have.

I am thankful:

For my wife, Stephanie. She is the driving force behind everything good that I do and have done over the past eight years. For McKenzie, my five-year old daughter who amazes me every day with the things she does and the love that she shows. For Judson, my son who has not made it into the world yet, but could be here any day. I can’t wait for you to get here, buddy.

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

For the opportunity to live in the Roanoke Chowan area. I have been here just over a year and I can honestly say that we have made a home. Thanks to you, the members of the community, for making us feel so welcome.

For the staff of Roanoke-Chowan Publications. You are a hard-working, dedicated, fun bunch to work with. Thanks.

That I have neighbors who still come over to stand in the yard to chat. You have made moving 800 miles away from home much better. And McKenzie thinks the world of all of you.

For Dakota and Sparky, our dogs and two very important members of our family, even though Dakota is getting fat and lazy and Sparky is getting cantankerous and moody.

To live in an area where you can still look up into the sky and see stars at night.

That to some people the words of the pledge of alliance still have meaning and they recite it without leaving omitting God.

That some of my musical heroes, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson, are still performing and one day soon I might get the opportunity to see them perform at the new Carolina Country theaters.

For the old man that still plows his garden with a mule. Let me know if you know someone like that, I want a photograph.

That the University of Alabama’s football team has hopefully put the bad times behind them and is headed back to its rightful place, among the best in the country.

That the 2005 NASCAR season is over and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. can put this disappointing season behind him. It will be a different story in 2006.

For home-grown tomatoes slices on white bread with mayonnaise in the summer time.

For the men and women serving in our armed forces that will be without their families on Thanksgiving so that we can be with ours.

For the people who still hold doors open for women, say “Yes, ma’am,” and “Thank You.”

On behalf of the staff of Roanoke-Chowan Publications, have a happy Thanksgiving and please be safe.