I am not going to make this long. Reason? I have to watch a turkey in the oven. (If it burns, I am in deep trouble.)

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. There is plenty to be thankful for, too.

Personally, I am thankful that I have a job. My younger brother cannot say the same. Unfortunately, he received a pink slip recently and is without an income. It’s a tough economy out there.

I am thankful my daughters are alive and well. I had a scare recently with the oldest. I am happy to report that she is recovering and able to come to the Thanksgiving table. You can bet I’ll hug her as well as each family member, including my father and mother who may be in their 80s, but are still healthy and loving.

Be thankful for what you have. Be thankful for your health. Be thankful for your employees, who are the lifeblood of your business. Be thankful for your customers, who pay the bills. Be thankful for your family, for without a family, life here on Earth is not the same.

In truth, I wish Thanksgiving was held more than a few months before Christmas. After all, Thanksgiving can be and is often — lost in the holiday shuffle. Christmas decorations are in all the retail stores already. A local radio station in the St. Louis area is playing Christmas songs now, 24 hours a day, through Dec. 26. Open a newspaper and all you see are ads hawking holiday bargains.

Stop and smell the turkey, folks. And the pumpkin pie. And the dressing. Above all, stop and thank the Man Upstairs for all that is good in your life. If you think about it, you will find plenty to be thankful for.