Thanksgiving is just a few days away andI’ve been thinking about all of the wonderful things in my lifethat I’m thankful for.

    I wrote a similar column back in 2009 and I could run down the longlist again, but I won’t. I’ll just name a few of the things forwhich we are all grateful.

    I’m thankful for a great family, job, children, grandchildren – theusual things we all express our thanks and gratitude for.

    I guess one of the greatest things, or maybe I should say persons,that I’ve been blessed with and want to give thanks for is myhusband Dennis.

    I guess like most families we tend to take some folks for grantedand just assume that they know how much we need and love them.

    It’s no secret that Dennis and I both were married before and hadfamilies.

    When we met nearly 16 years ago, we were both preparing to gothrough divorces and making big changes in our lives. Besides beinga single mother, I was trying to figure out where I wanted to beand where I wanted to settle after having just moved back toMississippi from Georgia.

    Who knew what plans lay ahead or what the coming months wouldbring.

    Like many relationships, Dennis and I started out as friends andacquaintances.

    It wasn’t long before our friendship and mutual admiration towardeach other turned into something more. And not long after thatbefore an engagement ring was offered and a marriage held.

    That was more than 14 years ago. We celebrated our anniversary lastweek.

    Dennis is a great guy and the love of my life.

    We’ve had our ups and downs, like many couples have, but we’vealways managed to find peace at the end of the day and work ourdifferences out.

    Above all, we’ve resolved to communicate and trust one another.

    We were full-grown adults when we met and fell in love. We knewwhat kind of marriage we wanted and deserved, and we work hard tokeep it that way.

    At our wedding ceremony 14 years ago in Germantown, Tenn., weplayed a song by pianist Jim Brickman called “The Gift.” It is oursong.

    Dennis has been a gift to me. I couldn’t have special ordered ahusband any better. When you run down the list of what all youcould ask for in a husband, Dennis fits the bill perfectly forme.

    The funny thing is, 15 or 16 years ago I had told myself that I wasnever getting married again. I had pretty much just given up. Well,you know what they say about saying “never.”

    Dennis has also been a blessing to my children. He has nevertreated either of my children as if they were “step” children. Hehas loved them both unconditionally.

    He also did a pretty good job of spoiling my daughter Liana. Shechose to call him Daddy when we first got married and she calls himDaddy to this day. When she has a problem he’s usually the firstone she calls upon.

    It’s nice to come home at the end of the day and know that you canshare your troubles with someone and they’re always in your cornercheering you on.

    Like I said, I have a lot of things to be thankful for, but todayat the top of my list is my husband Dennis.

    I thank God that He sent him my way every day.

    Our song “The Gift” sums up the way I feel.

    “You’re the answer when I prayed

     I would find someone

     And baby I found you.

     All I want is to hold youforever.

     All I need is you more everyday.

     You saved my heart from beingbroken apart.

     You gave your love away

     And I’m thankful every day for thegift.”

    And how was your week?

    Lifestyles Editor Tammie Brewer can be reached at The DAILYLEADER at (601) 833-6961 ext. 144, by e-mail attbrewer@dailyleader.com or you can write to her at P.O. Box 551,Brookhaven MS 39602.