I learned long ago how important it is for me to be grateful for all the blessings that have come my way.

As someone once said, It's impossible to be hateful when you're grateful.

My friend and former Free Press boss Roy Exum used to write a column every year at Thanksgiving, expressing the many things he had to be thankful for.

Roy has been a pretty sick fellow in recent months, so in honor of him, I've created my own personal list of people and other things to be grateful for.

I hope you enjoy. May you be more aware of the many people and things you have to be thankful for on this special day.

I AM THANKFUL for my dear wife Althea and her dedication to my freedom as a veteran member of the Army National Guard.

I AM THANKFUL for other men and women like her who are far from home today, standing in harm's way, so we can remain the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.

I AM THANKFUL to be an American and the feeling of pride I feel every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner.

I AM THANKFUL for the smell of grass that's freshly mowed.

I AM THANKFUL every time I reach the finish line of a marathon, knowing I don't have to run another step at that moment.

I AM THANKFUL when I witness the beauty of a sunrise over Chickamauga Lake. Those sunsets behind Lookout Mountain aren't bad either.

I AM THANKFUL every time I see a deer or wild turkey in the edge of the woods at Chickamauga Battlefield.

I AM THANKFUL for doctors and nurses and all of the detailed information about the human body they must know to do their job.

I AM THANKFUL for the opportunity to take Anatomy and Physiology at Chattanooga State and the good fortune of having a delightful professor like Dr. Karen Payne.

I AM THANKFUL for the influence of my father, the late Bruce Hunt, and the lessons he taught me about hard work, respect, honesty and showing consideration to others.

I AM THANKFUL that I received mercy instead of justice.

I AM THANKFUL for coach Phillip Fulmer and the success he's had as a leader of the Tennessee Vol football team.

I AM THANKFUL I got a chance to travel to New York City this summer and that I got to watch a baseball game in Yankee Stadium before it closed. Even better, I got to watch the Boston Red Sox win, 7-3.

I AM THANKFUL for the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous and the positive difference it's made in so many lives, including mine.

I AM THANKFUL for a family who knows me well, yet loves and supports me anyway.

I AM THANKFUL for policemen, firemen and convenience store clerks who are on the job on days like today.

I AM THANKFUL when I see a pretty girl smile.

I AM THANKFUL for the freedom of choice. We may think times are tough, but in the big picture, we all have it made.

I AM THANKFUL for the loud bang of fireworks and the beauty they create in a dark sky.

I AM THANKFUL for Roy Exum and the opportunity of a lifetime he offered in November '79 when he hired me as a sports writer. I started work the day the Vols lost to Rutgers, 13-6.

I AM THANKFUL for John Wilson, who last fall gave me another chance to continue that dream.

I AM THANKFUL for the late Jon Chew, who taught me more about fighting through adversity than anyone I've ever known.

I AM THANKFUL for coach Catherine Neely, who's been coaching volleyball at East Ridge forever, but continues to stay on the job because she loves helping young folks.

I AM THANKFUL for a good night's sleep.

I AM THANKFUL for the smell of hamburgers cooking on a charcoal grill.

I AM THANKFUL for open fires in the winter and the smell of burning wood from smoke coming from the chimney.

I AM THANKFUL for indoor plumbing.

I AM THANKFUL every time I hear the uncontrolled laughter of a young child.

I AM THANKFUL for the softness of a small puppy and the lesson I learn about unconditional love every time I pet one.

I AM THANKFUL for positive people.

I AM THANKFUL for the beauty of a fresh-fallen snow.

I AM THANKFUL that gas prices finally decided to fall. Now if they would just drop about another buck, we'd all be happy.

I AM THANKFUL for a nice nap on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

I AM THANKFUL for beautiful music, especially some of those old classics that have been with us forever.

I AM THANKFUL for employees of Erlanger Hospital and the dedication they have of saving lives and making sick people feel better.

I AM THANKFUL every time I bite into a hot dog at a Lookouts baseball game.

I AM THANKFUL for all the wonderful folks I've met in my job as a sports writer, including outstanding athletes and coaches alike.

I AM THANKFUL I have strong legs every time I see someone confined to a wheelchair.

I AM THANKFUL for the power of prayer.

I AM THANKFUL that miracles do still happen.

I AM THANKFUL for days like today when we all pause to give thanks. Not to mention eating more than our share of delicious food.

I AM THANKFUL I can call Chattanooga my home. It's a great place to live as I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be.

I AM THANKFUL for hope and the promise of a better tomorrow.

I AM THANKFUL that this time next week, the cast that's been on my left hand for the past six weeks will be removed. Thankfully, I'm right handed, but you don't realize how much you use your left until you can't.

And finally, I'm thankful for readers like you who take the time to read my stuff.

I love to hear feedback, both positive and negative, and that's why I put my email address at the end of every story I write.

As I've said many times, perhaps the best thing about writing sports is being able to share in people's successes and not their failures.

Thanks for your time. I hope your Thanksgiving is one of the best ever.

(Email John Hunt at tnmoose2002@aol.com)