Why I am so THANKFUL...

Every Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember, my mom, dad and sister have traveled to Valley Park (between my hometown of Rolling Fork and Vicksburg), to have our Thanksgiving lunch with "The Newmans." These days there are a few more of us since Lisa and I have acquired husbands.

If we don't come, my Aunt Florence and Uncle Horace's would probably disown us. One year we didn't get there until mid-afternoon and the first thing Uncle Horace said when we walked into the door was -- "Y'all going to eat."

They reside in my great-grandmother's house and at one time my dad called it home. I, myself, spent some time in Valley Park as a youngster. We moved to Rolling Fork when I was 4.

I always enjoy going there because there is no family sub-text. No hidden agendas. Just a day when come together as a family and spend the day laughing and talking and catching up.

My Newman traits are strong -- opinionated, dry witt and of course, the black curly hair. We all have the first two traits. It makes for entertaining afternoon.

There were about 20 of us for this particular holiday. Four years ago, we had a big reunion of sorts and we easily had 100 there if not more.

I wish I could have more holidays like the ones I spend with the Newmans. But I am thankful for the one that I have.