Thanksgiving 2020

What a strange and trying year 2020 has been!  However, there are so many things for which I am thankful!

Here is my list for Thanksgiving, not in any real order:

• My Family. As of now, all are well. Much better situation than 2019.  We are so blessed.  I am so very proud of all of my children and grandchildren.  Each one has special gifts.
• My Friends. They have all been so kind and supportive of me and my family.  Newnan is a very special place, and we are lucky to live here.
• My Business Associates. We have hung in there; and, have had one of our best real estate sales years ever.  That is amazing with all the headwinds we have faced in 2020.  Our agents and administrative assistants have been awesome and the backbone of our success this year.
• My Country and Its Military. It is so wonderful to live in a country where we still live in freedom.  Freedom is not free, as we all know.  Many thanks to those who serve and have served in all military branches.
• My Church. There is such a heart for ministry and missions there.  In spite of the Corona Virus, tithes and offerings to our church have exceeded last year's pace.  My Christian friends are like extended family to me always.
• My Clients, Tenants and Customers. They have been such a pleasure to work with in 2020.  All have been flexible and understanding as we have had to work through all the Corona Virus issues.  It brings me such joy to be of service to their needs.  I look forward to a great 2021!
• Sports. How about the Braves in 2020! In spite of a shortened season, what an exciting one it was.  I cannot wait for 2021!
  • Georgia Tech and Georgia have had unusual seasons in all sports, but each is getting ready for better things once the virus is history next year.
  • The Hawks and Falcons – well, who knows!
  • Newnan, East Coweta, Northgate, Landmark, The Heritage School, etc have all had interesting sports stories in 2020. We have great coaches at all, so the future of local sports is very bright!
  • It was so strange no going to The Masters in Augusta this year, after having been there for 24 straight years.  Watching it on TV was not bad, but I really missed the azaleas, the crowds and the roars that normally are heard there.  I am thankful for all of my golfing buddies and the great camaraderie and that we have all the fun, no matter how bad we play.  You can learn more about someone while playing golf than one would ever imagine.  Being on the winning team for the MGA Ryder Cup this year was a real thrill for an old guy.
• Prayer. I believe so much in prayer, and in 2020, prayers were the main thing to cling to in the adversity that we faced.  I can point out many answered prayers in my life this year.  Remember that sometimes we must be thankful for unanswered prayers.  God is so good and loves us all in spite of our shortcomings.
• Good Food. Not only is my wife a fantastic cook at home, but we have had many great places to eat or, mainly pick up food, this year.  We love trying out new eating establishments, but we have our old standbys as well.
• Shopping. I have done a lot of online shopping in 2020 because we had to shop that way due to the virus.  Saying all that, I missed browsing in brick and mortar stores in person when things were shut down.  Those in the retail business had to adapt or die.  It seems that many have not only survived, but, also, excelled in the new world of 2020.
• Schools. We have fabulous teachers in Coweta County. Our children have been blessed by their courage, foresight and willingness to change in order to provide the necessary learning environment for our children.  I give a Gold Star to all our administrators, principals and teachers who overcame big obstacles and exceeded expectations in 2020.
• My Wonderful Wife – Margaret. She has been by my side for 50 years as of October 17, 2020.  The time flies when you are busy and having fun.  She understands me better than anyone and keeps me on my toes.  Not only is she an outstanding and loving mother and grandmother to our children and grandchildren, but she is absolutely the Love Of My Life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chip Barron