This is the big week. School children across the area are likely to don funny looking outfits as they study about early Americans.

Turkeys will be flying off the grocers shelves and people will congregate with friends and family in a celebration of thanks.

Personally, this is a good time to pause and think about a few items of particular appreciation.

I am thankful:

For my family. Through thick and thin they have loved and supported me. And, when my brother, sister and I fought like cats and dogs growing up, it was really just a strange way of showing our sibling affection.

For all of the people with whom I work. I truly believe that every single person who works here at The Tribune has the best intentions at heart. These dedicated individuals come together each day to create the best newspaper possible. From the mailroom to the newsroom, the staff genuinely cares about their work and the readers they serve.

That I live in a community in which crime is relatively low and most folks are happy to lend you a helping hand - whether that means pulling you out of a ditch or taking you out to lunch.

For a cold Mountain Dew on a hot day and a warm cup of coffee on a cold day.

For the amazing power of a gas log fireplace. (Highly useful for a Mississippi boy coping with a taste of "real winter.")

That God has blessed me with relatively good health and put me in a position where I can learn and grow each and every day.

For living in such a diverse, unique part of the world. Where else can you be in three states in a matter of seconds, each of which has a great sense of history and place?

For the people in the community who make a difference each day by caring deeply about the community.

People such as Ohio University history instructor Bob Leith and Lou Pyles. People such as Dave Milem and Randy Lilly. And I'm thankful for the countless others who give back to the community each and every day.

And, perhaps most of all, I'm thankful to live in a country where people from all walks of life can live as they please and speak their minds when they desire.

Have a happy Thanksgiving.

Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445 ext. 12 or by e-mail to kevin.cooper@irontontribune.com