Roy Exum was a local columnist and Executive Vice
President for the Chattanooga News – Free Press until it was sold in 2001. His columns were always quite good and cast a
critical eye on southern life, sports, and a variety of other topics. My favorites of his columns were printed on
Sundays before Thanksgiving. Each year
he wrote a column of 99 things for which he was thankful. Here are a few of mine.
I am thankful for:
1. Medical science and the degree with which doctors are able to diagnose and treat illnesses both minor and major.
2. Miracles
which sometimes defy the medical logic and surprise the doctors.
3. Changing
seasons in Tennessee. I really like that
there is a noticeable difference in the four seasons without any of them being
too severe. I’ve often said I wouldn’t
want to live where the weather was the same all the time. We will see if I maintain that attitude in my
declining years when year-around warmth beckons.
4. Digital
photography that allows me to take thousands of pictures at almost zero cost (beyond
the cost of the device.)
5. Modern
technology that allows me to be in constant contact. Is it a pain in the anatomy some times? Absolutely.
But the benefits outweigh the down sides.
6. Church
services where there is ample opportunity for worship, praise, prayer, and
learning.
7. The
diverse forests in Tennessee. I really
need an occasional dose of nature and fortunately it is never far away.
8. Those
who have served in the U.S.
Military. All gave some. Some gave all.
9. The atmospheric phenomena of Mie Scattering and Rayleigh
Scattering that result in the brilliant, colorful sunrises and sunsets so
common here in Tennessee.
10. The many places near here to get in a good walk. (Station Camp Greenway, Hendersonville
Greenway, Town Creek Greenway, Moss-Wright Park, and Bledsoe Creek State Park.)
11. Music.
12. Talented,
gifted people that use their abilities to help others.
13. Friends
that you can call on at any time, day or night.
14. Taking
touch typing in high school. It is
probably the most important skill I acquired in those four years.
15. The
opportunity to hear the personal stories of hundreds of people who’s lives have
been impacted by attending Vol State.
Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!
-Dr. Jerry Faulkner