By Harold Keller / L’Observateur / November 25, 1998

A few years ago, I read the following taken from a book by Charles Swindoll: “I’ve got a love affair going with Thanksgiving. It seems to blendtogether all we Americans hold precious and dear – without the sham and plastic mask of commercialism.”Maybe that’s why it’s always been my favorite holiday. It’s a day set asideto reflect on the many things for which we should be thankful. It is a daywhere we give thanks for our many blessings and hopefully realize that God has, as always, been ever so faithful. The really simple things of lifeare brought into clear focus. Just for that day, we seem to put everythingelse aside. Instead of being thankful on one designated day, I will strive tobe thankful for my many blessings every day of the year.

This Thanksgiving is special. It falls on Nov. 26, which happens to be mywife’s birthday. I’m reminded how blessed I’ve been with a godly wife andam so thankful for this. I’m also thankful for all my family. God hasprotected them with good health, lots of love and has always provided.

Writing this article has been a privilege and for that I’m thankful to all the readers and especially to the staff of this newspaper.

Many people have a holiday from work on Thanksgiving and they are thankful for that. However, some people who have to work on Thanksgivingare excited. I’m referring to the coaches whose teams are in the playoffs.This is the quarterfinal week. We have five classifications in Louisianahigh school football, which means that 40 teams remain in the running for state crown. The River Parishes have six teams (15 percent) still playingto see who is going to make it to the Superdome. That’s a testimony to thebrand of football played in our area.

Speaking of the Superdome, on Thanksgiving Day at 5 p.m., the undefeatedTulane Green Wave will play host to Louisiana Tech. My good friend, AmyPlaisance (a loyal Tulane fan) who works at the Garyville Food Store, is thankful for Tulane’s success, but she’s upset that more people do not support the team. “Why don’t you write an article about that?” she asked.”Amy, I agree,” I answered. “In fact, you’ve encouraged me to attend agame this Thursday.” Personally, I think it would be a great way to end aThanksgiving Day. Bring the family to the Dome. Support Coach Bowden andhis exciting Tulane team.

Then on Friday, take your pick of the one of the high school football games in which the River Parishes teams will participate. For your convenience,the following are the game times and locations: Class 5A – Destrehan vs. Jesuit at Gormley, 7:30 p.m.; East St. John atWest Monroe, 7 p.m.Class 3A – St. James at Breaux Bridge, 7 p.m.; Lutcher at Washington-Marion, 7 p.m.Class 2A – West St. John at Vinton, 7 p.m.; Newman at Riverside, 7 p.m.The only team at home is Riverside, who will host Newman and Eli Manning. Should be a great game!Last but not not least, the LSU fans must be thankful that the season is over.

Happy Thanksgiving Day and may God bless you!

Harold Keller is a regular columnist for L’Observateur

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