On this special Thanksgiving Day, I have more than usual to be thankful for. The Post and I have been doing this column for close to 15 years now, but never once have I had a major health concern during that time. This past May 15, I fell out of a tractor loader bucket and severely damaged my spine. Countless prayers and well wishes from readers, friends, churches and other individuals, known and unknown, have helped me through the best possible recovery at this point. Dr. Eugene Eline at Novant Sports Medicine helped me to run again. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! I will continue to update readers as things happen. Bottom line, I’m still hoping to complete 100,000 running miles and another bike trip next summer.

The Butterball 5K, this time with runners from at least 12 states, and the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving morning with more than 400 running friends for a new record crowd at one of the most popular races locally.

My five-year-old granddaughter, her developing fastball and her laughter as I call her “Booper!” She made me promise to put her real name in this column too, Monroe Bishop. And my daughters, Ashley and Amber, Booper’s mom, and her husband, Jamie.

The opportunity to visit and do some hiking in all 42 of North Carolina’s state parks since May 15. Doing this went a long way toward strengthening my body. Some of those beautiful old trails were challenging and therefore the best medicine.

Our military and first responders, including police and fire, who keep us safe in our daily lives and who give their best each and every day, especially when unexpected dangers and destruction developed as they did with Hurricane Helene. Continued prayers for recovery in our western counties.

The ongoing efforts of Rowan Helping Ministries and all the United Way agencies that make challenging situations much better than we could ever do without them. And all the charities that Rowan’s 29 races in 2024 benefit. May you keep the wonderful work going.

The Salisbury Post and the dedicated staff that Elizabeth Strillacci mentioned last weekend. A hometown newspaper is a genuine blessing. Many of the thriving towns across 50 states that I have visited on a bike still have a paper, there’s nothing better for real local news and sports.

The volunteers who keep these charities going. Nothing makes a person feel better than volunteering their time, their most precious gift, to help others.

The Yankees finally making the World Series again and providing hope that the next championship is just around the corner.

Good books, and the Rowan Public Library. More reading opportunities this summer when about all I could do was read and imagine adventures ahead. And to the librarians from RPL who offered to deliver the books when I couldn’t go get them.

Christmas parades, especially our local ones in South Rowan, Cleveland, Salisbury and the new one coming to Spencer. The one time a year that every negative thought should be left at home so we can all share the joy of the season.

For close friends and those who can make us laugh. And those who keep checking on us, even though sometimes we might not want to talk.

Those who take time to teach youngsters and anyone else for that matter, to read.

Walking, an exercise that nearly all of us can do, where every step benefits the body and mind. Keep the body moving.

Don’t choose to sit out when given the choice whether or not to do something new and good, reach out of your comfort zone. Limit any regrets for things undone!

And most of all, the Lord Thy God who has provided so many other blessings that we all have received. Don’t forget to count and share them today! Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day!