Time to Give Thanks

I remember years ago my grandfather telling me that life speeds up as you get older. I didn’t understand it then, but man, I do now. These Thanksgivings seem to roll around faster and faster. I swear it seems like football season started just a few weeks ago. We anticipate it all year, and it’s gone in a flash.

This year all Auburn people have much to be thankful for between the hash marks. I hope you’ll indulge me while I take a minute to give thanks for another year…

I’m thankful for Paul Elder (AubTigerman). As you know, I stepped aside at the beginning of this year. There have been a lot of changes in my life, and unfortunately Track’Em Tigers was something I needed to step away from for a while.

I’m not good with goodbyes. I planned to just walk away and be done. Paul has not and will not let me. He’s as fine a man as you’ll ever meet. He cares deeply about this site, and he’s made it his own—and by the way, it’s much better than I ever did. He’s pushed me this week to return and write this column. I’m so glad he did. It feels good to be back behind the keyboard…

I’m thankful to have the most beautiful wife in the world. The best part about her is that the beauty on the outside hardly matches what’s in her heart. Next year we celebrate 25 years of marriage. It’s been far better than any lottery I could ever win…

I’m blessed to have a few more months at home with my daughter. A recent Auburn grad, she’s living at home until next summer when she marries her long-time boyfriend. Having the family under one roof for a while longer has been a gift from God…

I’m thankful for the little red-headed boy who’s not so little anymore. He still wakes up on fall Saturdays and makes the trip to campus with me. He slips off more to be with his friends but his making the effort to be with Dad means everything…

I’m thankful for another special Auburn football season. These are weird times. Either our Tigers are very average or among the best in the country. There is no middle ground…

I’m thankful for another Iron Bowl. What would our lives be like without it? Since Paul Finebaum left town, the rivalry has gotten better. While far from civil, at least now, normal fans on both sides can have intelligent conversations. Having that guy on the airwaves across Alabama was toxic. I still can’t believe such a bad person has made it so far…

I’m thankful Jay Jacobs is history. Has there ever been a more divisive person in the history of Auburn Athletics? His actions never matched his words. Maybe, just maybe, we are on the verge of having an inclusive athletic department. Here’s to hoping more house cleaning is ahead for that building on Donahue Drive…

I’m thankful to have a job where I travel across Alabama regularly. We really do have a beautiful state from top to bottom…

I’m thankful when I go a day without watching or reading the headlines. Try to stay away from the noise for a few days. It’s amazing what it’ll do to your outlook…

I’m thankful for this old white dog by my side—one that’s been with me through thick and thin. Like me, he’s getting older by the day but still doesn’t accept it…

I’m thankful I have plenty to do on NFL Sundays. I’m all for the right to protest and take a stand. When you do it at the expense of our flag and those who fought to protect it, I can’t be associated with you…

Finally, I’m thankful for that strawberry pretzel salad coming my way tomorrow. Last year, my wife was irked when I made reference to it in this piece. She said surely I had something better to say about her than her cooking. I hope I’ve made up for it this year.

Here’s to all of you having a wonderful Thanksgiving. Let the shopping be for a while. Take time to relax and be with family and friends. It’s what makes this week the most special of the year!

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