Will B. Thankful

The smell of turkey roasting in the oven. Uncles and cousins are grumbling about this or that in a heated debate about who and what. The sounds of the Cowboys in a desperate battle for bragging rights in the Turkey Bowl playing on the television.  The art of sitting in the blind waiting for that perfect shot on deer. Endearing conversations with Grandmother, Mother, and Daughters on the best way to prepare stuffing or green bean casserole.

There are many things to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. I am grateful for a loving wife of 22 years and her father who has been more of a father than my father ever was. I am thankful for being given a chance to become a part of a wonderful community called Olney. Many may take this for granted. Not me. All my life we moved and moved and moved. I never had the chance to make those lifelong friends I see everywhere I go in Olney. I never had the opportunity to live in a community where everyone is like a close neighbor or friend. Genuine friendship and friendly people everywhere you go.

Common courtesy is alive in this small town. I am thankful most for the community of Olney allowing me to join in with the rich assortment of activities and school functions. Never having children after 22 years, we enjoy so much watching all the school games and attending functions.   After watching a Cub game or watching the band perform, I would like to believe if we had children, they would have turned out like the great children Olney has made.

There are many things we can be thankful for during the holidays. Take a moment to think of all you are thankful for. Then keep them close to your heart as you have Thanksgiving dinner or attend a Christmas party or a school function and let them give you an inner peace as the stress of the hustle and bustle begins to stress you out.

This is Will B. Thankful saying a smile is contagious and free.