This is an opinion piece.

I’m not sure how many people my age (56 … ish) are still blessed to have their parents with them.

I know my brothers and I are three of the lucky ones.

I’ve spent much of this week with my 92-year-old father and 87-year-old mom. They still live by themselves in Gainesville, Ga., with my older brothers checking in on them regularly.

My parents have been married 62 years.

I’m not there as much as my brothers obviously because I live six hours away. Sometimes that’s heartbreaking for me, but I try to get to North Georgia as often as I can.

They’ve both been blessed with relatively good health for their age.

They don’t hear as well as they used to, of course. Dad has all but lost his eyesight, and that pains me most of all. If he could only see the Braves on TV or Auburn football games, his days would go by a little quicker.

But they are both still mentally sharp, and that’s another blessing. Again, I know other children are not as lucky with their parents, and that breaks my heart for them.

My parents have taught me so much. I could never repay it all. I’m sure I haven’t thanked them enough. They need a lot of help from my brothers and I these days, but it’s a small investment compared to what we’ve been given.

We have a close family that has grown over the years. My oldest brother Vaughn and I have started our own families. My brother Bill is close to doing the same thing. My parents taught us to be consistent in our faith, to treat people right, to be honest, to save for rainy days, work hard and invest wisely.

My Dad taught me to love sports, and that led me to what I’m doing right now. He still loves sports, in fact, and has asked me multiple times this week when his beloved Pell City High Panthers play in the postseason. He’s been firm with us when needed but loving all the time. He’s been careful not to interfere with our family’s finances but ready to help if necessary.

My mom is the epitome of a Southern Belle. Loving to a tee. Constantly concerned about others. Always proud of her three sons – whether we deserved it or not. She has been loyal to her husband for 62 years and is now constantly there for him when he needs her most.

What a blessing to have been raised and loved by Don and Rachel Thomas.

I hope that I’m the man they raised me to be or at least somewhat close.

I hope I’m the kind of husband, father and son they can take pride in.

As my Dad and I left an appointment earlier this week, the doctor looked at me and said with a warm smile, “Enjoy every day.”

I knew exactly what he meant.

And I needed to hear it.

This week, we spent several days watching the election results. We watched Andy Griffith multiple times – the black and white episodes only, of course. (If Barney isn’t on there, we aren’t watching. Why would anyone?)

We’ve enjoyed meals, toured downtown Gainesville, taken a trip to the beauty parlor, as my mom still calls it. We even stopped and took pictures of Gainesville High’s renovated football stadium at City Park where former Hoover High coach Josh Niblett now roams the sidelines.

Indeed, I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Not just this week. But for the last 56 years.

I hope there are many more days to come.

So whether your political party won this week or not, whether your high school team moves on in the playoffs later tonight or your college team wins on Saturday … enjoy the life God has blessed you with.

Indeed … “Enjoy every day.”

Happy Birthday

Speaking of enjoying every day, Happy Birthday to my youngest son Jayden, who turns 13 today.

Teenager!

What a blessing he has been as well.

Happy Birthday, buddy! Love you.

Thought for the Day

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12

Ben Thomas is the high school managing producer at AL.com. He has been named one of the 50 legends of the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Follow him on twitter at @BenThomasPreps or email him at [email protected].