It’s hard to believe that we’re to the final Thursday in November when most folks in the free world celebrate Thanksgiving. My how time flies when you’re having fun.
I used to always enjoy reading Roy Exum’s columns on Thanksgiving when he took a little time to recognize people and to give thanks for all of the wonderful things in his life.
Following his example a few years ago, I started doing my own Thanksgiving column and today’s effort is in honor of him. We all have so very much to be grateful for, but for me, every day is Thanksgiving.
Without further fanfare or wasted words, here in no particular order are some of the things I’m most thankful for today.
I AM THANKFUL that I woke up this morning without a hangover.
I AM THANKFUL that my dear wife Althea stands beside me and supports me and loves me with all of her heart, despite knowing me and being married to me for most of the past 17 years.
I AM THANKFUL to have the opportunity to keep writing about sports for the Chattanoogan.com and to have unlimited space in which to do so. John Wilson is my hero for allowing me to keep doing something I’ve loved for the past 35 years. I’ve always said that being a sports writer allows me to say positive things about young people when so often what you hear about the younger generation isn’t positive.
I AM THANKFUL for Vic Oakes and the outstanding he does with the Chattanooga Boys Choir. Their annual Singing Christmas Tree will be held at the Tivoli on Saturday, Dec.
6 with performances at 2:30 and 7:30. These young men really can sing, so if you want to be inspired and get your Christmas spirit kicked off on the right foot, make plans to be there.
I AM THANKFUL that Luther Masengill made his name in radio here in Chattanooga and touched more lives on a daily basis than most. I feel the same way about Jed Mescon and the fact that he’s still doing it. I’m sure he has a bad day every once in a while, but he’s always upbeat and positive and finding ways to make others feel better.
I AM THANKFUL for coach Butch Jones and the Tennessee Vols. They have made great strides forward this fall and they’re starting to see results. Now if they can just slip past Vanderbilt on Saturday so they’ll be able to play in a bowl game.
I AM THANKFUL for coach Russ Huesman and the wonderful job he’s done “Restoring the Glory” to Chattanooga Mocs football. The Mocs have an outstanding football team and will playing at home next weekend, so make your plans to come out and support the local guys. They deserve it!
I AM THANKFUL for the big fireplace at our house and how much I enjoy building a fire, even on days when it’s not quite cold enough to do so.
I AM THANKFUL that the Baylor Lady Red Raiders won a state volleyball title a few weeks ago. Those young ladies have worked mighty hard and to see the expressions of joy and satisfaction on the faces of coaches Sarah Lail and Kurt Emmanuel and every member of that team following the winning point was simply priceless.
I AM THANKFUL that Notre Dame High School picked Charles Fant as its football coach a few years ago and that the Fighting Irish have had an amazing season so far. If you haven’t seen these guys play, you should come on down to Finley Stadium Friday night when they face Alcoa in the state semis in what might be a great game.
I AM THANKFUL that I’ve been blessed with good health for the most part and that I was taught from an early age how important it is to stay active and to take care of your body.
I AM THANKFUL for the YMCA and all the folks who work there. They are always so helpful and happy and appear to really enjoy working in a place like that where fitness matters.
I AM THANKFUL for charcoal grills and the results I get when I cook on one, no matter if it’s a hamburger, a steak, piece of chicken or a porkchop.
I AM THANKFUL for sharp lawnmower blades and the satisfaction I feel after mowing someone’s yard and seeing the finished product for a beautifully-manicured lawn.
I AM THANKFUL for all the folks who have been part of a series of running features I’ve done this year. Runners are wonderful folks for the most part and to be able to reconnect with old friends and new ones as well has been a real treat for me.
I AM THANKFUL for home-cooked meals and that I have two sisters who are among the best cooks in the world. No doubt my belly will be stuffed before the day is done.
I AM THANKFUL for so many wonderful high school coaches like Ted Gatewood, Gerald Harris and Eddie Lambert who teach kids how to compete and be successful the right way.
I AM THANKFUL for former wrestling coaches like Steve Henry, Steve Logsdon and Al Miller, who are the main reasons that teams like Soddy Daisy, Bradley and Cleveland are always some of the best around and the bottom-line reason that the Chattanooga area always dominates at the state level.
I AM THANKFUL for four Jacks in my life, not from the deck of cards, but guys like Jack Kay, Jack McEwen, Jack Hunt and Jack Stanford. All of these guys were some of the best people I’ve ever known who made a huge difference in my life. They’re all gone now, but the impressions they made will always remain.
I AM THANKFUL for my father Bruce Hunt and the lessons he taught me about doing things right the first time, diligence and being willing to help others who are much less fortunate than me.
I AM THANKFUL for Elmcroft of Hamilton Place, a delightful assisted living facility on Gunbarrel where my 91-year-old mother Frances resides. Those folks are so patient, kind and caring. They also prepare delicious meals three times a day. My mother loves it there and that’s a wonderful thing from my point of view.
I AM THANKFUL for the Ronald McDonald House and that proceeds from this year’s Karen Lawrence Run on Dec. 31 will benefit it. For the first 35 years, the race benefitted St. Jude, but the choice to change is a good one as all of that money will be used in the Chattanooga area.
I AM THANKFUL for the joy I felt standing down at Ross’s Landing on Sept. 28 and watching the overall winners finish the first Ironman Chattanooga. And I’m so proud that so many Chattanoogans embraced the event by volunteering and making it such a success.
I AM THANKFUL that I was standing there when folks like Peter Hurley, Autumn Friday and Mark Malecky crossed the line for the first time and all had smiles on their faces for finally being finished with the 144.6-mile event.
I AM THANKFUL for local eating establishments like Wally’s and Nikki’s. Wally’s has wonderful food and their beef tips on rice is delicious, but the best part is that banana pudding counts as a vegetable. I feel the same way about Nikki’s. Those folks treat me like one of their own as I’ve become a regular there. I always order the same thing – hamburger without pickles, French fries and a sweet tea in a to-go glass without a lemon. When I really want to splurge, I order some of those wonderful onion rings.
I AM THANKFUL for the lump that forms in my throat every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner played. My wife is the veteran at my house and I always feel so thankful for her and others like her who allow me to enjoy the freedoms we too often take for granted.
I AM THANKFUL that gas prices have finally started falling. I’m so happy that they’re under $2.50 a gallon. Now if they’d just drop about another buck, I’d really be pleased.
I AM THANKFUL for runners like Ryan Shrum, who isn’t afraid to “lay it on the line” in a marathon.
I AM THANKFUL for the Chattanooga Lookouts and that Frank Burke had the insight to build AT&T Field. If you’re a baseball fan, that’s a great place to watch the major leaguers of tomorrow and it’s the best bang for your buck as far as local entertainment goes.
I AM THANKFUL for the opportunity to “Ring The Bell” for the Salvation Army around Christmas. I got my introduction to this several years ago at Hamilton Place with members of the Free Press sports department and I try to do it every year. It’s always interesting to watch people as they pass the red kettle. I’ve observed that folks who can afford the most often give the least and the ones who have the least gladly give all they can.
I AM THANKFUL that I live near Chickamauga Dam and get to enjoy those breath-taking sunsets down toward Lookout Mountain, especially on a clear winter evening.
I AM THANKFUL for our dog Sweetheart, who is a little Beagle mix. She really is a sweetheart and always brings joy and laughter to our house with some of her shenanigans.
I AM THANKFUL for the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous and the positive effect it continues to have on my life. Folks like Pattee, Stewart, Dennis, Jody, Judy, Jeff and Ralph always help me with their kinds words, even when they don’t realize it.
I AM THANKFUL for the opportunity to watch Tennessee football at Neyland Stadium, especially when I’m sitting with my buddy Mike Finn on the 49-yardline and the 24th row behind the visitors bench.
I AM THANKFUL for hugs and smiles, especially when they come from a pretty girl.
I AM THANKFUL for the sports department at the Times-Free Press. I’ve worked with a bunch of these guys in the past and most of us are still friends, even though we are now competitors. Guys like Ron Bush, Mark Wiedmer, David Paschall, Kellie Smiddie, Ward Gossett, Stephen Hargis, Lindsey Young and Gene Henley are among the best and I love working beside them at local sporting events.
I AM THANKFUL for guys like Darryl Martin, a fine fellow I’ve known since he was a little boy. Darryl is an outstanding basketball referee and I never see him that I don’t think about his family. I loved to sit with his mother Juanita and all of his sisters when I was covering games at Sale Creek back in the early 80s when he was such a standout with his late twin brother Dexter.
I AM THANKFUL for memories and the wonderful people I’ve been associated with. I’ve been a very blessed young man for a long, long time.
I AM THANKFUL that I don’t have plans to be shopping anywhere on Black Friday.
I AM THANKFUL I have the ability to snow ski and that people like Jerry and Debbie Hightower introduced me to this sport several years ago. If you’ve never been, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had legally. It’s like a roller coaster that goes downhill the whole time.
I AM THANKFUL for my son Michael, who is one of the finest young men I know. He’s willing to work hard and he has a big heart. Both I and his mother are really proud that he’s turned out to be such a delightful fellow.
I AM THANKFUL when I have the chance to take a nap in the afternoon. The older I get, the more they mean to me.
I AM THANKFUL for my Echo backpack blower. We have several huge hardwood trees in our yard and this blower makes leaf management possible.
I AM THANKFUL for the feeling I get when I’m fishing and my float suddenly goes under with a scrappy bream on the other end.
I AM THANKFUL for my in-laws named Reid and Gretta Ross. They prefer to be called Maw and Paw, but they are two really good people. I always enjoy going to their house because there’s always going to be a meal and it’s always delicious.
I AM THANKFUL that Jody Davis knows how to make the world’s best chocolate chip cookies and even makes a special batch of them for me at least once a year.
I AM THANKFUL that I have faithful readers like you who enjoy reading my stuff and will read all the way to the end.
I AM THANKFUL to be an American. As you sit around the table later today and watch a little football, maybe you can find a few things to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
(email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@comcast.net)