Sir: I would like to share a list of things for which I am thankful at this time of year.

Four wonderful children who call me 'dad' (Carl, Jimmy, Al and Becky), their spouses (Donna, Donna, Donna and Royce), and ten precious younger ones who call me 'gran-daddy' (Erica, Tori, Conner, Justin, James Thomas, Alison, Erin, Jessica, Alexandra and Tyler).

Having all 18 of them home with me during the Thanksgiving season.

Those who protect out nation, our homes, our health and our safety.

The sounds of children at play.

Memories of mama's country desserts and sweets: rice pudding, peach and blackberry cobbler, biscuit pudding, peanut brittle, hand-pulled taffy, a sweet tater baked all day under oak and hickory ashes in an open fireplace, hot buttered biscuits with muscadine jelly, popcorn syrup balls, tea cakes (does anyone have a recipe?), and rarely, snow ice cream made from pure snow, sugar, cream and vanilla.

A Sunday School class which, on occasion, has come to my home or hospital room so that I could continue to enjoy the blessings of 2,480 consecutive Sunday School lessons.

All day singing and dinner-on-the-grounds at church homecomings.

May you and yours be blessed on this day and throughout life.