Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Oh, my. It really is the beginning of the holiday season.

Thoughts today turn to all those family members gathering which saw the women huddled in the kitchen together, pulling this treat and that one from the oven, while the men were anxiously awaiting the start of the NFL football games.

And the kids?

Why, we were, of course, out in the back yard, playing our own version of football.

The women hoped for a little deer meat to spice up the menu. The men often came trudging in earlier in the day. If they were empty-handed from the hunt, it was fun to listen to the grumbling. They always hoped for snow this time of the year, too. The perfect tracking weather often eluded them, but they usually persevered with game and made all of us very happy.

Some of the youngsters were part of the hunt, too. In this neck of the woods, there’s no better way to top off a hunt then to come back home and eat a big meal.

Ah, those were the days.

This time of the year will always be about family.

All the pseudo experts who are proclaiming the demise of the family unit should spend a little time in our house.

Now that I am officially retired from teaching and coaching, I have more time to reflect on the early Thanksgivings in my family.

I grew up in a wonderful time for kids. The 1950s and the 1960s were idyllic days, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of them.

Thoughts this year also turn to the men and the women in the armed services, who will not be home for the festivities.

The inherent loneliness of being abroad during Thanksgiving and Christmas season carries with it an awesome responsibility for those who are not away to enlighten those who are, pray for them, and send them our best wishes.

It is this group which fights for our freedoms. It is this group which represents the best and the brightest we have to offer – sorry, Sen. John Kerry – and it is this group which has shouldered the responsibility of yet another conflict in a far-off place. We are indeed fortunate to have such an able-bodied contingent in our military.

30-Second Timeout

It was my privilege to address the state’s high school basketball officials last Saturday at their annual fall convention.

I felt fortunate to be asked to participate in such a worthwhile event.

State of Maine Basketball Commissioner Peter Webb asked me to address the body of 200 or so referees, and I came away thinking that schools are lucky to have such qualified men and women controlling the hoop proceedings in our state.

Enjoy the turkey and the trimmings all of you. And save me a piece of the pumpkin pie.

BDN columnist Ron Brown, a retired high school basketball coach, can be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net