On this Thanksgiving Day this column is not about sports, at least not much, but more about what I am thankful for, and there isn’t enough space here to list all my blessings.
This is just some of what I’m thankful for:
That Friday is the last Arkansas Razorbacks football game of the season. It has been a long season for everyone, including the media.
For a great management team at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, who has guided our statewide newspaper through some tough times. I’m also very thankful they kindly agreed to let the photographers and reporters fly on a private plane to the LSU game so we didn’t have to miss Thanksgiving with our family.
For a great sports staff.
For my mom, who is 90 years old. When I was a teenager she punched me in the nose because I deserved it. She probably still could.
For The Manor, a senior living community where my mom is being pampered and getting great care.
For my daughter Whitney and her husband Brad, that they live here and I will get to see them this afternoon.
For my sisters and their families. We have stuck together through a tough month with Mom and will celebrate like rock stars this afternoon.
That my younger sister Lola finally conceded that I make better dressing than she does, although now I have to make twice as much.
For being back at The Buzz, where I was welcomed back like I had never left.
For the Pigskin Preacher, Chuck Monan, who has incredible insight and wisdom.
That we live in a country where we can still worship freely and openly.
That I get to have Tim Griffin as a congressman. He came through for me both times I needed help.
That New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees agreed to be the keynote speaker next June at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s All-Arkansas Preps award dinner.
That last summer I met Peyton Manning, who thanked me for inviting him to speak at the All-Arkansas Preps banquet. He said that to everyone who had on a Democrat-Gazette name tag.
For all my incredible friends, who are too many to name.
For our military and all they do for us every second of every day.
That even though it had to be resisted, Christmas season officially begins tomorrow for me.
To be the president of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and that soon we’ll be announcing the next list of inductees.
To be taking a week of vacation in early December. Did I mention this has been a long football season?
To be taking a final week of vacation right after Christmas to get the batteries charged for basketball season.
That the Egg Bowl is on television tonight (expect Ole Miss to win).
That the Georgia football game next season will be in Little Rock, although it was sad to learn the decision was made to move one game out of War Memorial Stadium. More on that later.
That Arkansas State’s football team bounced back this season after losing head coaches two consecutive years. I will be really thankful if the Red Wolves make a much deserved bowl game.
To have watched the Arkansas-LSU game grow into a rivalry, albeit not a fierce one, but it is a game that creates lots of interest. Hopefully that can continue with the change to the Hogs’ 10th game of the season next year.
That the game with Missouri will become a rivalry and hopefully never played on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
For my health. All things considered, it is pretty good.
Last, but certainly not least, for my job. I still love what I do, even during a long football season.
Sports, Pages 27 on 11/28/2013