The big November holiday is one week away. My wife has officially bought a turkey and has initiated the preliminary planning for next Thursday.
So I think it’s high time I made my annual Thanksgiving list:
First and foremost, I am thankful for my guardian angel. My mother gave him to me when I was 2 years old by saying a short prayer. My angel is invisible. Nobody has ever seen him, not even me. But he’s definitely there. How else could I explain surviving three totalled vehicles? Also puberty.
When I was 13 years old, I named my guardian angel “Bud.” I still talk to him often, especially when it’s tax season. Although I don’t talk to him in public anymore for fear that they will lock me in a padded cell and take away my basic human privileges. I’m thankful for Bud.
I’m thankful for Jocelyn, my editor, who performed a miracle and gave me self-confidence. Who made me believe I wasn’t a hack. Who found a way to somehow polish the world’s sloppiest manuscripts, possibly by using a gasoline powered bench grinder.
And for Stephanie, also my esteemed editor. Who once tracked me down in Decatur, Alabama, just to tell me that she believed in me. You don’t forget things like that. Not for as long as you live, you don’t.
To Julie, yet ANOTHER of my editors. A woman who has, put, up, with, my, incessant, comma, usage, even, when, it, makes, her, crazy. And she also tolerates all those little annoying ellipses… I often use… They’re just so beautiful… I can’t… Stop…
For Alex. He knows why.
I am thankful for the friendship I shared with a bloodhound named Ellie Mae. She lived to 13, and died in the arms of my wife. Her loss almost ruined me. I never knew you could grieve for an animal like that. She was a main character in my life, who guided me into adulthood, and taught me to see the world from a dog’s-eye view.
And Bergie. Who taught me Spanish, and opened up a new, vibrant world to me when I was going through a very hard time. Te lo agradezco mucho, profesora.
Also, for Lyle. A guy who yanked me out of a mental gutter and helped me love my own life again when I sincerely wanted to give up trying.
For the guy who once bought my groceries when I was 21 years old after my bank card was rejected at the Winn-Dixie. I was humiliated. He stepped in and paid for my stuff like it was the most natural thing in the world. When we got to the parking lot, I promised to pay him back, but he just laughed at me.
I asked if his name was Bud, but he said no that it was Hubert.
For Bob, the older man who gave me a good job when I needed one, and paid me WAY more than I was worth. A kid like me, half-orphaned, a high-school dropout. He made me feel proud of my occupation for the first time.
And Doctor Ariola, my neurosurgeon. A guy who once cut me open and gave me a laminectomy. I was in chronic spinal pain 24 hours per day after a bad car wreck. I could hardly walk without looking like I belonged in the tower of Notre Dame. After surgery, I had my life back. That doctor deserves his own room in Heaven.
Bud, see what you can do about that.
For my mother, who taught me to love Lucy Maud Montgomery. For my sister, who showed me it was possible to make a beautiful family out of broken pieces.
To my dogs, who have no idea that I am writing about them. Who clearly need to go potty for the 1,293rd time today.
For Lewis Grizzard, who gave me something to look forward to every blessed morning, and helped me through the growing pains of adolescence with simple sentences.
For Abbott and Costello. Willie Nelson. Artie Shaw. Hoagy Carmichael. Charles Schulz. “Action Comics.” “Gunsmoke.” Mississippi John Hurt. Jerry Clower. Don Williams. Maeve Binchy. Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu. Victor Frankl. Samuel Clemens. Jesse Donald Knotts. And Andy Samuel Griffith.
For Pat and Allen, my father’s cousins. My links to the past.
For my uncle Sam, who helped me learn to be a man. Who once told me to never lie, cheat, or steal—or tolerate those who would.
For Fred. Who brought out the best in me.
For the Atlanta Braves, who gave me something to root for when the world was falling apart. For Brian Snitker. And Bobby Cox, for just for being born.
To 9-year-old, Rachel, who sent me a hand-colored picture in the mail this week. Who has no father or mother, but two foster parents. Who has somehow become my penpal.
Bud, watch over this girl.
To my wife, who married a flunky and told him that he could be anything he wanted to be. And when he said that he wanted to be a writer, she didn’t laugh at him. She bought him a notebook.
Then, she walked him into the college financial aid department and signed him up for the Federal Pell Grant Program, thereby changing his entire life. Also, God bless the Federal Pell Grant Program.
And to you. Yes, you. Every single person who is reading this. To anyone who has ever told me to keep going, sent me an email, given me a thumbs up, or an “atta boy,” or an “I love you, man,” or told me that I mattered. God bless you from the bottom of this heart.
Bud and I are thankful for you this Thanksgiving.
126 comments
Annie Franklin - November 19, 2020 7:23 am
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours 🙏🙏
Steve Winfield (Lifer) - November 19, 2020 7:24 am
And you know what? There’s a whole bunch of us that are thankful for you, Sean. In ways you’d never imagine.
Really.
Thanks for being there. Everyday.
It helps.
Ivy Wallace - November 19, 2020 8:21 am
You are such an inspiration !!!
Pam Beauchamp - November 19, 2020 8:43 am
So thankful for you and your wisdom.
Donald Egan - November 19, 2020 10:15 am
You are a gem in this old , rusty world ……THANK YOU !!
Phil Huffstatler - November 19, 2020 10:26 am
My wife and I are thankful for your everyday wonderfulness, and I wish to thank you publicly for that. I have no idea how you manage to keep life good side up every day. I’m also thankful that Fred the moth is keeping me company this morning without fluttering into my coffee. Moths are neat.
Martha Laska - November 19, 2020 10:27 am
As a worn out mental health counselor and someone who misses her family, I am grateful for you.
Martha Black - November 19, 2020 10:32 am
I’m thankful for a mother that taught me to love the written word & nourished the desire to reap everything I could from it & a daddy that taught me to engage my on mind in reasoning, seeking & trying to see all sides of what I discovered. They had third grade education levels but she loved & never stopped reading & learning & he was one of the best compatient, underdstanding & reasoning minds I’ve ever known. The things they taught me & the comprehension they encouraged me to accept has served me well all through my life & now to have you enter my life in the last couple of years of my sixty six years has geen a glorious adventure of and with a kind compatient friend that still keeps my mind and heart alert & thriving. Thank you so much. Never doubt that every second of your life has prepared you to be the good man you are. You’re braver than you know & we need you……
Meredith Smith - November 19, 2020 10:41 am
Sean, you keep upping the stakes with your columns…I write and say “that was the best one” and then you go and write one like this. Now THIS ONE brought me shivers ~ you listed so many beautiful souls. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving with your family, Sean. And don’t forget to give the dogs some turkey too. 😉
Dana Everhart - November 19, 2020 10:56 am
Your words are some of the first I read each morning. You give me joy and inspiration. I’m grateful for your shout out to Lewis Grizzard. I was privileged to be his pastor when he died. Thank you for reminding all of us of the power of words, his and yours. Thank you for being you!!
Renee - November 19, 2020 10:57 am
Thank you for making my heart warm, my brain think and my face smile. May you continue your magic long into the eons.
Cindy Turberville - November 19, 2020 11:08 am
And we are thankful for you! You have made me laugh and cry at the same time. That is a gift!!
Happy Thanksgiving! Bud, take care of this man. He’s special!
Sue Rhodus - November 19, 2020 11:21 am
Time for all of us to think about Thankfulness. We are all thankful for the big things in our life but it is the small things that holds us together. I am thankful to read your blog each day and to laugh or cry or ponder. Be blessed this season, you, Jamie ,and your fur friends.
Sandi. - November 19, 2020 11:22 am
Sean, sending best wishes to you and Jamie for a special, wonderful Thanksgiving. In spite of Covid-19 this year, we all still have a lot for which to be grateful. I am thankful to you for sharing from your heart in your daily column.
Mickey - November 19, 2020 11:32 am
Thankful for you and your wonderful stories.
Irene Torres - November 19, 2020 11:32 am
I am so grateful for your emails. Keep them coming!
Patty - November 19, 2020 11:41 am
Your words make my day.
Carol Saunders - November 19, 2020 11:46 am
Happy Thanksgiving, I enjoy reading your column. You give me something to look forward to every morning.
Cele - November 19, 2020 12:05 pm
And I am thankful for you, a bright spot in this pandemic! May God richly bless you!
Te Burt - November 19, 2020 12:11 pm
In the midst of the worst zombie apocalypse (I have this fantasy about all those dead seniors — and pissed off — rising from their graves and gathering around Gov. Cuomo and Warren Wilhelm, Jr), you are my morning point of sanity and can be depended on to lighten my day, amuse me, and touch my heart — and I love ellipses. (I have a thing for parentheses.) Have a great Thanksgiving!
Jane Hale - November 19, 2020 12:20 pm
You are my Lewis Grizzard. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Steve Watkins - November 19, 2020 12:29 pm
Thank you. And thank the Lord for the power of gratitude.
Betty Hall - November 19, 2020 12:34 pm
Thanks to you too! Your e-mails make my day,especially this year. Hopefully things will get better. This year has been one to remember and forget, if that’s possible. God Bless you and yours. PS my guardian angel’s name is Henry, he has save me a few times also. Keep up the good work!! Betty Hall, Prattville, Am.
Nana - November 19, 2020 12:34 pm
Just as I learned many daily lessons from Lewis Grizzard, I learn from you as well. Keep on!! ❤️
Nancy - November 19, 2020 12:37 pm
All of us, your Constant Readers, are thankful for you. Every morning after I read your blog, I smile and forward on to Angie who took over my job when I retired. We keep in touch every day this way. And I also forward to Gerri from my adult literacy class. Her Granny had hip replacement so we’re on a hiatus for a while, but Geri loves to read your words. You are a big part of my day! Hope you and Jamie have a wonderful Thanksgiving! God bless!
Jean - November 19, 2020 12:37 pm
I am thankful for many things and many people along the way of life. You are certainly in that list because you start my day every day with your funny and sometimes very sad words and I realize that you have a wonderful gift.
Elizabeth LeDuc - November 19, 2020 12:41 pm
I am grateful you were born and started writing.
Donna - November 19, 2020 12:44 pm
Thank you for beginning the day with me. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry. Sometimes you make me think. However, every day is new and your emails help shape my day. By the way, I am thankful to Crysti who introduced you to me.
Karen G - November 19, 2020 12:45 pm
Happy Thankful and Grateful day to you, Sean! We ALL have so much to be thankful for if we just stop and think about it. Thank YOU for pointing it out ❣️
Dee Thompson - November 19, 2020 12:45 pm
We are all grateful for your writing, Sean! For me, 2020 has been a terrible year. Covid took my mom away. I try to find things to be grateful for every day, though. I just “birthed” a new novel (Heart of My Own Heart, on Amazon) and I am thankful for the friends who read the manuscript and encouraged me. Writing is a lonely job, as you well know. You inspire me! Keep going.
flagal44 - November 19, 2020 12:47 pm
I should have known, Sean is a Don Williams fan…”Those Williams boys still mean a lot to me, Hank and Tennessee.”…pure poetry!
Jo Ann - November 19, 2020 12:48 pm
I am thankful for you, Sean, & all the people ( & dogs) in your life who brought you to this place & time. Thank you & them. ( I didn’t know that those 3 dots had a name!!)
Lee Jennings - November 19, 2020 12:50 pm
Great article…it really points out we need to be thankful for all in our life…big and small. I’m inspired to try and write down a similar list of things in my life for which to be thankful.
Jeri Bishop - November 19, 2020 12:52 pm
And we are thankful for you this Thanksgiving and every morning when we read your column. God bless you and Jamie.
Mrs. Rebecca - November 19, 2020 12:53 pm
Atta boy. Thankful for you too!
MR - November 19, 2020 12:55 pm
Thankful for you, too. . .Sean!
Jayne Cash - November 19, 2020 12:56 pm
Thankful for your words that are delivered to my inbox ever morning. You are so gifted, and so blessed. Happy Thanksgiving.
Alison - November 19, 2020 12:56 pm
My husband and I read your words and appreciate your messages every day. Thank you for the light and love you bring to all.
russelllott - November 19, 2020 12:57 pm
Atta boy, Sean.
Steve - November 19, 2020 1:02 pm
Please Keep On……..for us!
And Happy Thanksgiving!
Maggie Carnes - November 19, 2020 1:03 pm
I so enjoy starting my morning with a cup of coffee and reading your words of encouragement & wisdom. It’s good to start the day with a smile in my heart. I’m thankful for the thoughts that Bud brings to your heart & mind!
kathy thomson - November 19, 2020 1:06 pm
Thankful for you, your life, and your writings.
Julianne Hudson - November 19, 2020 1:13 pm
Thanks, hope you have a good Thanksgiving.
Margaret Chipman - November 19, 2020 1:19 pm
And boy howdy, are we thankful for you, Sean! I just love starting my day with you!!
Susan Wold - November 19, 2020 1:22 pm
And we are proud and thankful for you too Sean. I just caught one of your stories on facebook this past Spring and have read your posts every day since, along with 3 novels, your biography and short stories, which I have also gifted to others. I too have a guardian angel who I didn’t confront until I was in my 40s when she helped me find something. She walked me right to the corner and told me to look down. I haven’t named her, I wonder if she would like that? Maybe she will lead me to her name, hmmmm. Enjoy your wife’s wonderful cooking this Thanksgiving. If you are stuffed after dinner and can’t move, pop in The Christmas Story with Darrin McGavin. It’s a great way to close Thanksgiving and kick off Advent. (When the dogs stole the turkey, I was cheering for the dogs, but that’s me.)
Judy Tayloe - November 19, 2020 1:24 pm
Bud, continue to take good care of Sean.
Ron - November 19, 2020 1:34 pm
Thank you. Ron
mimifran - November 19, 2020 1:34 pm
Sean, you just have a way!! Your love and sincerity brought me to tears!
Pete Black - November 19, 2020 1:42 pm
Hey Sean – wonderful story!!
Kate - November 19, 2020 1:59 pm
I mean this as a compliment: You should be the poster child for success. So many people think they can never be successful because they are not _______, fill in the blanks. I was dyslexic when no one knew what that was, in the buzzard group for math, etc. but I managed to excel in other things, and finally realized I was not dumb. You really should be in schools and other places talking to people who need to know life can get better. Thank you for all that you write. I found you through a facebook post by a friend, and now I have read 3 of your books. You are like a soft, cool breeze that lifts one up and gives us sweet enjoyment. God Bless.
Jan - November 19, 2020 1:59 pm
And I am so thankful for you … ellipses and all!
Pamela J Bishop - November 19, 2020 2:06 pm
Thank you, Sean
Heidi - November 19, 2020 2:15 pm
Thankful for you and the goodness you bring into my home every morning. We surely have needed it this year! I have too many many things to be grateful for to list but wanted you to know our family has their own “Buds” and they are with us & helping us every single day…..my Mom & Dad who passed years ago…..❤️
Ann Bodiford - November 19, 2020 2:17 pm
I am thankful for you. I so enjoy reading your stories every day.
Cindy EllerCindy O'Hara - November 19, 2020 2:21 pm
You are an inspiration and I look forward to reading your thoughts everyday.
Steve Scott - November 19, 2020 2:22 pm
A while back there was no Sean of the South in my inbox and it almost wrecked my day. After three days I got worried about you and wrote Jamie. Turned out the evil spirits in my computer (or Mediacom) had helpfully rerouted your posts to my junk mail, along with other very important notices like ads for hearing aids, adult diapers and assisted living places. So relieved to find you were okay.
Janysek Roy - November 19, 2020 2:24 pm
Thank you for your open , vulnerable, funny and many times tear producing story’s. I love you back. Happy thanksgiving Roy
GARY - November 19, 2020 2:28 pm
👍👍👍
Jo Holker - November 19, 2020 2:34 pm
I’m thankful for many things, including you who are the first thing I read in the morning. I can empathize with, or remember, many of the topics you write about. And yes, I know I ended that sentence with a preposition, but from you I learned that doesn’t really matter as much as Miss Accurst seemed to think.
Gwen Woodard - November 19, 2020 2:49 pm
I love this! I also loved reading Lewis Grizzard and miss his wry humor. You have the same touch fior making everyday things meaningful. I’m thankful to God for my life (cancer survivor) and for my husband of 53 years, our five children, our 21 grandchildren, and for the ability to play the piano at church for 60 years. And, oh yes, for you!
Jackie L Darnell - November 19, 2020 2:57 pm
Give Bud my thanks too. Glad you survived! Sweet read!
Rufus REDD - November 19, 2020 3:00 pm
Thanks for introducing me to Maeve Binchy…..
Maggie - November 19, 2020 3:02 pm
Among the countless readers who is thankful for you, Sean. Please keep writing. Love to you from our family in the mountains of western North Carolina
Brenda Stone - November 19, 2020 3:05 pm
I’m thankful for you! You Are a ight in a world of chaos. Happy Thanksgiving♥️
Nancy Wright - November 19, 2020 3:07 pm
I’m thankful for you, Sean. And I’m currently reading through Binchy again. And I love the Braves, Bobby Cox and Lewis Grizzard! Happy Thanksgiving!!
pammydubs - November 19, 2020 3:09 pm
I’m grateful for you and your perspectives on life. It always touches my heart in one way or another, sometimes my funny bone, too. Keep doing what you are doing. You make the world a little brighter everyday. And I’m grateful.
Phil, aka Brown Marlin - November 19, 2020 3:10 pm
And we’re thankful for you, Sean. Watch that comma,,, usage,,,, man.
Sport - November 19, 2020 3:14 pm
So thankful for you, you start my every day! This has been a tough year! So glad I found you! I like exclamation points!!
Patricia Schmaltz - November 19, 2020 3:14 pm
… and I am thankful for.. YOU! Also, ellipses. They mirror my speech pattern… sometimes. Happy, safe, and healthy turkey day to you and Jamie. I have a pumpkin/cheesecake muffin recipe I should send you.
Lisa Sanford - November 19, 2020 3:17 pm
I love your Jesus heart, my friend!!!! You bring tears to my eyes often and I am NOT a crier, as I take Prozac religiously!!! Blessed Thanksgiving every day!!!!
Becky - November 19, 2020 3:24 pm
I’m so thankful that you always ensure there is at least ONE positive, uplifting item in my email each day. You are a blessing to me.
Keep up the good work, Bud. You’ve done good job so far!
Bryan - November 19, 2020 3:33 pm
Enjoy your ramblings daily Sean. TY.
JoAnn McQuagge - November 19, 2020 3:34 pm
I am thankful for you Sean Dietrich. May God continue to bless you.❤️
Patricia Gibson - November 19, 2020 3:34 pm
And I am thankful for you ,Sean as you always make my day. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Sondra - November 19, 2020 3:40 pm
I am thankful for your blog everyday!! You have a wonderful way of putting this crazy, scary world in perspective. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
Brenda Johns - November 19, 2020 3:41 pm
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
I love commas, and, ellipses…. too!
Sheila Mary Breysse - November 19, 2020 3:42 pm
Sean, Bud and my GA must be in cahoots. I have been working on talking with mine, her name is BP no idea but that comes with Breathe, Purple. Truly I cannot describe the impact this story has had this morning. Thank you life changing…
walter buehler - November 19, 2020 3:43 pm
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your extended, worldwide family.
Carolyn Waldron - November 19, 2020 3:47 pm
And I am thankful for you, because you bring lightness and fun in my life. Please tell Bud hi for me!!
rockinlawyer - November 19, 2020 3:52 pm
I follow a number of blogs. Ordinarily, the voice in my mind reading the words is my own, or in rare instances that of a television newsreader. Although I never expected to say this, I am thankful today for Regions Bank. Regions is running ads in which you are the red-headed, dog-loving, bearded spokesman, giving a true voice to the words I read each morning; and with an authentic Southern accent, to boot. So thanks to Regions. And thanks to you for providing not only the words that entertain me daily, but now in a voice I recognize and appreciate when I read the words.
Keep up the good work.
RockinLawyer
Mobile, Alabama
Jo Downs - November 19, 2020 3:52 pm
Thank you for your stories. They transcend me for a few minutes from this crazy life we are all living. Happy Thanksgiving!
Charly - November 19, 2020 4:02 pm
One thing I love about you? You remind me of things I’d forgotten about a long time ago, like Jerry Clower! I’m going to have to try to find some footage of him to show my kids, and remember my Grandpa’s laughter. Thank you so much!
Charly Roper
Janice Carlile - November 19, 2020 4:21 pm
You are my “new” Lewis Grizzard.” Highest compliment! I enjoy waking up to read your musings every morning, as I once did Mr. Grizzard’s. Happy thanksgiving?🍁🍽🦃
Helen De Prima - November 19, 2020 4:21 pm
Thanks for reminding us we still have so much to be thankful for, even in these terrible times. God bless!
Ladson - November 19, 2020 4:50 pm
👍❤️
Anne Arthur - November 19, 2020 4:51 pm
Happy thanksgiving to you and your wife, Sean. I am thankful for you because your honesty, humor, and view of the world are expressed in your unique and wonderful writing style that makes me believe in the goodness of humanity. God had a plan for you and you are walking right in that path. Your place in heaven is already secure. May your Bud always keep good watch over you.
Belinda Crowell - November 19, 2020 4:56 pm
And, I am thankful for you, Sean. I so enjoy your writings every day. You mean more to your readers than you will ever know. Happy Thanksgiving, my friend! Belinda Crowell
Janice - November 19, 2020 5:51 pm
Frenesi !!
Catherine - November 19, 2020 5:56 pm
I am thankful to have learned about your blog during this pandemic! You have made me laugh, say Amen at your observation of the goodness of humans you write about and the existence of angels, and you always make me cry. I do not know why, exactly, but I think it’s reading about a man who God has deemed redeemable and is using you to brighten my days during this crazy time. Thanks for wanting to be a writer and, please, let your wife know we are grateful for pushing you into the finacial aid office!
Opal Durham - November 19, 2020 6:06 pm
I’m thankful for you Sean. You brighten my days.
elizabethroosje - November 19, 2020 6:07 pm
Guardian Angels are wonderful! When I was young (2 or so?) my cousin and I were playing ‘walking backwards’ and I walked backwards and then headlong backwards down wood steps to a cement floor and only had a split lip and a little gash about my eye brow…my Mom quickly told me about how my Angel had caught me!!! I have no doubts. I am VERY thankful for YOU and your wonderful Wife!!!! I love your writing!!! Keep it up!!! You bless MANY dear one. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Linda Moon - November 19, 2020 6:39 pm
I’m thankful for you, Sean Paul Dietrich, especially during this time of Giving Thanks. And….I also love you!
Rev. Fred Butterfield - November 19, 2020 6:40 pm
Thanks for this one Sean, There’s somethin’ in my eye…. 😔
angie5804 - November 19, 2020 7:21 pm
Two things on your list struck home with me. 1. Maeve Binchy. I have read every single one of her books. 2. The Pell Grant, which allowed me to finally get my degree at age 39 after having four children, and to go on to teach for many years.
MAM - November 19, 2020 7:55 pm
I, too, am thankful for editors, even those who point out how I use too many commas. I created a verb for the malady, overcommanate. Keep using those commas and ellipses, because they make text much clearer! I am thankful for your columns every day even when I’m in a rush!
Barbara J Schweck - November 19, 2020 8:07 pm
Just finished re reading Lewis Grizzard’s books again!!! Now have started a collection of yours! Sean, I love ya’ man!!!!!
Barbara J Schweck - November 19, 2020 8:19 pm
Steve, That is so funny!!! And so true about the ads! i can only imagine how warm in the heart the Dietrich’s felt when they knew how much they were missed by you!! We, the readers, are all so glad to have them in our lives. I have had the great fortune to meet them at an event where Sean told stories and sang and signed books. Was so glad that Jamie was there. They are amazing people-so very real!!!!
catladymac - November 19, 2020 8:53 pm
You forgot John Smoltz and Tommy Glavine. And Sid Bream.
LINDA BROYLES - November 19, 2020 9:17 pm
Thank you so much, Sean❤
Haline Gregory - November 19, 2020 9:18 pm
Thank YOU, Sean..
Debra Lancaster - November 19, 2020 10:16 pm
Just discovered you, Sean. Love your writing. God bless you and yours.
Wanda - November 19, 2020 10:29 pm
Thank God for you and your writings!
Cyndee Goff - November 19, 2020 10:39 pm
Happy Thanksgiving. Even in such a crazy world we have so many blessings. I have been dealing with cancer for over a year now. It is hard being isolated from people for virus reasons and for cancer reasons but God gives us these challenges for His own reasons and we just need to persevere. Your writings make me think and make me laugh. We have so much we enjoy in common scrabble, Willie Nelson, Andy. Thanks for sharing a note every day.
Cyndee Goff
Cynthia - November 19, 2020 11:10 pm
And I am so very thankful for you, Sean. You don’t know how much your writing means to people like me who love the South and Southern ways. Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
Jenny - November 19, 2020 11:24 pm
Happy Thanksgiving!
Veronica Sayer - November 19, 2020 11:49 pm
Hi Sean, I want you to know that I am thankful for your sharing your humor and view of life with us all. My friend especially loves your dog stories, since she has a special dog of her own, named Remy. I have a cat. Not sorry! Anyway, I just want to say how much I enjoy your columns and look forward to seeing them appear in my email. I’m glad Jamie encouraged you to be a writer, otherwise we wouldn’t be enjoying your talent. Now, have you called your Mama lately? I wish I could call mine. Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.
Sue and Bill Winter - November 20, 2020 12:55 am
Sorry, Sean, my husband, Bill and I love your stories and have just forgotten to say “thank you” and “we love you” – your message today has reminded us that you are one of OUR Thanksgiving blessings . . . yall have a good one!
Debra Galladora - November 20, 2020 1:26 am
❤️
Susan Kennedy - November 20, 2020 1:59 am
Happy Thanksgiving! “You beat everything, you know that?!” I love you!
Margie Jones - November 20, 2020 2:22 am
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Sean. No one deserves it more! I am one of those church ladies you so eloquently write about, and I introduced you to my Pastor, who introduced you to our other church ladies, who all love you now as I do. You are my daily down to earth, very real shot in the arm, and I thank you for that! God bless you, and you just keep on keeping on!!! I wonder if Bud knows Bertha?!?!?!
susannations - November 20, 2020 2:28 am
Hey Sean. My nephew put me on to you and I’m so glad he did You are a breath of fresh air I love to write too And it’s just so rewarding when someone tells you that what you wrote meant something to them. So I’m telling you that much of what you write means something to me. I am grateful for you and I’m grateful for my nephew. Press on!
Joy Dollar - November 20, 2020 5:46 am
Thank you for another heartfelt column…makes one really stop and think about not just big things but little things to be grateful for. I’m in tears, again, thinking of those things in my life that I can’t ever think when I’m trying to, but you somehow remember them for me. Thankful, Lucy, that you share him with the world! Happy Thanksgiving!❤️
Christina - November 20, 2020 6:39 am
You are a gift Sean, and Bud! So grateful for you & for this space.
Peggy Thompson - November 20, 2020 1:06 pm
Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours. We are all blessed even in this crazy world right now!
Thank you!
W. Gary Smith - November 20, 2020 6:55 pm
Thank You Sean (and Bud) for making a difference in a lot of people’s life. I am sure he is talking with his Boss and that He will continue to Bless you and your wife.
Happy Thanksgiving my friend!
Jackie “Roll Tide” Keeling - November 20, 2020 9:32 pm
I’m thankful for you every day. I look so forward to reading you every morning with my coffee.
Nellie Tipton - November 20, 2020 10:44 pm
I get your posts through email. I read them all. It is always amazing how you can put into words the thoughts of many of us. I hope your holidays are happy and the next year will be new for you and all of us. We certainly don’t need any more of this old year. God bless you.
marinemom71 - November 21, 2020 6:32 am
You touch my heart everyday, but on some days, you touch my funny one. Thank you Sean, reading your emails daily help me cope with a very sick husband…❤️
Donald Watts - November 21, 2020 1:45 pm
After reading your article, I have been thinking of why I should be more thankful for big and little things in life and especially the people who help us with life. Thanks for the inspiration.
Neill Morgan - November 21, 2020 11:19 pm
I appreciate you, Sean, every day. And I am in awe of what you do. I write one sermon each week and maybe a newsletter article and it sometimes feels like diving into a deep river and lifting heavy rocks to the surface. You write something worth reading every. single. day. I am thankful. Any day I wonder what I’m going to say in those 15 or 20 minutes I get to talk about an ancient text, I can think, “How hard can it be? Sean Dietrich finds something worthwhile to say and lift people up every day.” And then those rocks float.
Tammy S. - November 22, 2020 10:07 am
💙👍🏼🤟🏼You’re the best!! Thankful for you & Jamie!
Kathleen McAbee - November 23, 2020 12:28 am
Love the Thanksgiving story. I am 80 years old and I have never deleted any of your stories. Been reading maybe 4 or 5 years, well, ever since I found you. I will eat deviled eggs and some stuffing, just for you.
Bonnie Specchio - November 23, 2020 9:36 pm
I love reading your posts each day and today’s mention of your guardian angel brought a smile to my face. I firmly believe we all have a guardian angel (I think my husband has a whole squadron!) and I thought you might like this prayer:
Angel of God, my guardian dear
To whom God’s love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side
To light and guard
To rule and guide.
God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Bonnie Specchio, Illi-bamian
(We have home in Illinois and Alabama)
Martha Young - November 24, 2020 10:44 pm
Thankful for your columns.
Julie - December 13, 2020 4:29 pm
God Bless The Day You Were Born‼️ He Gave Us All Such A Precious Gift, That Keeps On Giving, Each And Every Day‼️ There Are Some Of Them That I Could Not Suvive Without Reading Your Powerful Column‼️ Thank You, Jesus…For Sean…We Dearly Love Him❣️ P.S. 😇Bud, Continue To Keep Your Eyes On Our Prize, Amen🙏
Melissa Williams - December 17, 2020 1:30 am
Lewis Grizzard and Celestine Sibley were the only reasons I used to read the Atlanta paper! I adored both of them. I was crushed he died so young. You are at least as good as he was (if not better)! Thank you!!!