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Honoring Furman Bisher: I’m thankful for so many things


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Furman Bisher started his “I’m thankful” column for the Atlanta newspaper in 1955, and it remained one of the most-anticipated, most-read articles every Thanksgiving until he died in 2012 after spending 59 years in Atlanta behind the keys on his 1948 Royal typewriter.
While nobody will ever top Bisher’s ability to find pleasure in the simplest of things, we can continue his tradition. He would agree there’s no better way to honor his legendary memory than by creating your own list of reasons to be thankful.
With that in mind, and with sincere reverence to one of the greatest sportswriters and columnists I ever met, here are my reasons to be thankful:
The joy in my 6-year-old grandson’s voice when he tells me about a new bug, stick or rock he found on the playground.
Cranking up the radio and driving with my car windows down.
Spellcheck.
For the ghostly fog that hovers over the Black Creek on a perfect chilly morning.
When people who use their turn signals.
Enjoying the taste of a hot dog at a baseball game.
Joining the Clay SafetyNet Alliance and being part of its commitment to connecting public, faith-based and social services with people who are in desperate need help.
Taco Tuesdays.
For any front row seat at a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert.
When I remember to take the trash out on trash day.
When I can get five bars of cell phone service.
Driving down U.S. 17 and not being stuck behind a tractor-trailer.
Not watching NHL games in June.
The sound of children laughing and playing outside on a beautiful day, instead of being indoors playing video games.
A shopper who sees you only have two items and lets you cut in front of them at the cash register.
To learn the words to Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”
Lexington-style vinegar-based barbecue sauce.
A round of golf with my three best friends.
When my neighbor’s dog finally falls asleep and stops barking all night.
For caller ID and call blocking.
For being the first reporter to do a NASCAR story on Jimmie Johnson in 1998 and calling him a friend since.
To see people who don’t flick their cigarette butts out their car windows.
For early bird, blue plate and senior citizen discounts.
When I’m not around anyone who uses their speakerphones in public during private calls.
Reruns of “That 70’s Show.”
Any Peter Sellers movie.
For a joke so funny it gives me the hiccups.