Thankful for our home

Published 9:14 am Thursday, November 23, 2023

With this being Thanksgiving week, like many of you I find myself thinking back over all of the things in my own life that I’m thankful for. One of the things that keeps jumping out to me is just how thankful I am to be able to call Thomasville and Thomas County my home.

We live in such a blessed place, y’all. We’ve got so many positive things around and in our lives that are rooted in the red Georgia clay of this place that it’s hard to list them. But today, I at least want to try.

When I think about our home, I’m thankful for:

…a place that still has family as the foundation everything we do is built on. Of course the meaning of family is different depending on who you’re talking to, but there’s no doubt we live in a place where most young people have caring adults in their lives — and trust me, that alone makes a huge difference.

…men like Frank Delaney, Charlie Ward, Sr., Earl Williams, and so many others who weren’t afraid to stand up for right and share the foundations of their beliefs with anyone willing to listen.

…a deep, rich history that is shared across all color lines. Good, bad, and ugly, it is a history that connects all of us together. And, everyone whose family is from Thomas County is connected, whether they want to admit it or not.

…the rich fertile soil that is the backbone of everything we enjoy here.

…the beauty of our planted fields, full of abundance.

…red clay dirt roads.

…the smell of fresh baked bread and cinnamon rolls while you walk downtown.

…the heavenly aroma of tea olive blooming in the fall.

…a welcoming spirit that embraces everyone from every walk of life.

…the incredible variety of sporting opportunities offered locally, be they through the YMCA, on the back of a horse, chasing quail or sitting on a deer stand.

…tremendous opportunities for our young people in our schools.

…the incredible support shown to so many non-profit organizations and charities.

…our wonderful churches.

…a place that respects the gift of tradition, something which every community does not have.

…a community that takes pride in being able to show itself off with several wonderful festivals.

…the simplicity of waving at people you don’t know while you’re driving and having them wave back.

…The Big Oak and roses (not necessarily in that order).

…a community where neighbors still help neighbors when they need it.

…visionary leaders across generations who have done a great job protecting our past while moving us into the future.

…going through a store and talking to at least a half dozen people.

…the amazing sports traditions that each of our schools have and share.

…the fact that we can be at the beach in less than an hour.

…our beautiful downtown, and the tradition of the bricks on Broad Street.

…the gift of our small towns out in the county and all of the personality they each bring into the mix.

…beautiful fall sunsets.

…a place that has an acute appreciation for the arts, including a great local theater group.

Those are just a few of the things regarding our home that I’ll lift a word of thanks for this Thursday. I’m sure you have some of your own.

No, we’re not perfect. No place is. But if you’re honest with yourself, there’s far worse places you could be living your life than Thomasville and Thomas County.

And for that, if nothing else, we should all be thankful.