This week in HS Sports: Words of wisdom for the week, ‘Enjoy everyday’

This is an opinion piece.

I’m not sure how many people my age (56…ish) are still blessed to have their parents.

I know that my siblings and I are the lucky three.

I spent most of this week with my 92-year-old father and 87-year-old mother. They still live alone in Gainesville, Ga., and my older brothers check on them regularly.

My parents have been married for 62 years.

I’m not there like my brothers obviously because I live six hours away. Sometimes that hurts, but I try to go to North Georgia as often as I can.

Both are blessed with good health for their ages.

They don’t feel as good as before, of course. My father can’t see well, and that hurts me the most. If he could only see the Braves on TV or Auburn football games, his days would be over quickly.

But they are both still sane, and that is another blessing. Also, I know that some children are unlucky with their parents, and that breaks their heart.

My parents taught me so many things. I couldn’t afford to pay it all. I don’t think I have thanked them enough. They need a lot of help from me and my siblings these days, but it’s a small investment compared to what we’ve been given.

We have a close family that has grown over the years. My older brother Vaughn and I started our own families. My brother Bill is about to do the same thing. My parents taught us to be firm in our faith, treat people well, be honest, save for rainy days, work hard and invest wisely.

My father taught me to love sports, and that led to what I do now. He still loves sports, of course, and has asked me several times this week when his beloved Pell City High Panthers are playing in the postseason. He is firm with us when needed but loves us all the time. He has been careful not to interfere with our family finances but is ready to help if needed.

My mother is the epitome of a Southern Belle. Loves tea. Constant concern for others. He is always proud of his three sons – whether we deserved it or not. She has been faithful to her husband for 62 years and now she always helps him when he needs her the most.

What a blessing to have been raised and loved by Don and Rachel Thomas.

I hope I am the man they raised me to be or at least close to it.

I hope he is the kind of husband, father and son they can be proud of.

As my father and I left a meeting earlier this week, the doctor looked at me and said with a warm smile, “Enjoy every day.”

I knew exactly what he meant.

And I needed to hear it.

This week, we spent several days looking at the results of the election. We watched Andy Griffith many times – only black and white shows, of course. (If Barney isn’t there, we’re not watching. Why would that happen?)

We enjoyed the food, toured downtown Gainesville, took a trip to the beauty spot, as mom calls it. We even stopped to take pictures of Gainesville High’s renovated football field and City Park where former Hoover High coach Josh Niblett roams the sidelines.

I really enjoyed every minute of it.

Not just this week. But 56 years ago.

I hope there are many more days to come.

So whether or not your political party wins this week, whether your high school team advances to the playoffs later tonight or your college team wins on Saturday… enjoy the life that God has blessed you with.

Of course… “Enjoy every day.”

Happy Birthday

Speaking of enjoying every day, Happy Birthday to my youngest son Jayden, who turns 13 today.

Young!

What a blessing he was too.

Happy birthday, friend! I love you.

Thought for the Day

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land that Jehovah, your God, is giving you.” — Exodus 20:12

Ben Thomas is the managing producer for high school at AL.com. He has been named one of the 50 legends of the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Follow him on twitter at @BenThomasPreps or email him at bthomas@al.com.