As the morning sun begins to wake up New Orleans, there’s a feeling in the air today like no other day of the year. Because no other day is like Thanksgiving.

No matter what the retail world tries to do, Thanksgiving has a staying power bigger than sale prices, bigger than unbelievable deals, bigger than football. It’s a quiet strength. A value that speaks to higher ideals of kindness, good will, friendship, and family. And its high point, the crescendo, is the food.

But without all the other qualities, the food would be just a big meal, and that’s missing the point. Thanksgiving for me is a time to take stock of my blessings. It’s about looking out, and recognizing the great people I have around me. My family, my friends, the people I work with, my neighbors, and even people I casually know. It’s about dedicating a day to enjoying the presence of people I know and love.

So, on this, my favorite of holidays (excepting perhaps only Mardi Gras), let me be the first to offer a toast to you and yours.

To my clients: Thank you for working with me. I promise to continue to improve and innovate to earn the trust you have given to me.

To the people with whom I work: thank you for your efforts, your patience, your time and your dedication. Without you none of this would be possible.

To my family, both near and far, thanks for all the love and kindness you have shown since the day I first graced this amazing world.

And to all who have influenced and helped me along the way, thanks.

Now get out there, eat, drink, smile, laugh, love and live. GO LIONS

Happy Thanksgiving.