Driving and pondering, and getting a ticket
Joe HUGHES LEDGER STAFF WRITER

There are many times in life when you wonder, "Why did this happen to me" or "what did I do to deserve this?" Well, half the time the person responsible for your problem is staring yourself right in the mirror as you wash your face and brush your teeth in the morning. Unfortunately, many of us do not realize this until it is too late. Every Thanksgiving, we are asked the question of the many things we are thankful for. In most cases, people give thanks for their health, wealth, life, liberties and those close to them.

But what would happen if all those things were taken away from you and you were left to fend for yourself.

I was quickly made to ponder that question yesterday as I made my trip to Columbia for a wholesome meal along with the fellowship that comes with being with my family.

But while the trip is merely a skip and a jump from Gaffney, I often compared it to a neverending road that got gloomier as time passed - especially with storm clouds making the sky darker as I closed in on the "Capital City."

But during that trip, I sat and thought about what every person I love or care about and what direct impact they have had on my life both this year and previous years.

Of course, starting with my parents they raised me to be a respectful young man who is quick to offer his hand for help rather than raise his voice in judgment. Teaching lessons in life the best way they knew how, the two of them are now able to bask in the realization that they got one child through college and are less than four years away from having another one finish.

From my parents it went to my brother. It's funny because as the years have gone on and we have grown older our bond has actually gotten stronger. The love of brothers is said to be one of the strongest ones, mostly because you are decreed by blood to be his keeper. He has been mine for so many years, and I will continue to be his.

The list continued on from my fiance, to longtime friends and family, co-workers and even the people I am supposed to despise such as ex-girlfriends and those who have stabbed me in the back. But what I came to realize is that they helped mold me into who I am and created a character one of a kind in nature and attitude.

As I said grace over my food, I prayed to the Lord to not let any harm come over these people as He has allowed each of them to make me a stronger, better man.

But I guess the one group of people I forgot to mention were the South Carolina Highway Patrol officers who were zooming up and down the highways.

I have had my run-ins with state troopers over the years, but never on holidays. Well, in the year where the impossible becomes possible - 2007 - it just so happens that it was my turn for the onus to be on me.

Trying to get back to the Upstate for work today, I followed a state trooper hoping not to pass him and make the obvious mistake of speeding. However, this guy pulls me over anyway, citing me for following to close. What a bummer.

The trooper gives me a $150 ticket and sends me along my merry way, telling me to have a "safe and happy holiday season."

I smiled, but only after having an epiphany that went along the lines of "Troopers have a life too."

So with that in mind, I want to not only thank my loved ones, but I want to give thanks for all of you, because without you there is no me. The impact made by everyone is felt by their peers, neighbors and friends and I want to tell you that even the least of you makes a difference to me.