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Thankful Thursday – Dr. Douglas McDonald

On this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for the blessings that Doug McDonald brings to my life. Doug is retired from his position as Chief of Audiology at the Veteran’s Hospital in Columbia. He taught part-time at the University of South Carolina. Doug grew up in Nashville and inherited the country music gene. He writes and performs country music. He has sung on the Grand Old Opry and has an album out. He was also a consultant to the Charleston Speech and Hearing Center. He is the person who guided the licensure drive for audiologists and speech language pathologists through the South Carolina legislature without the help of lobbyists and in spite of some pretty powerful opposition. It remains as one of the landmark accomplishments of the South Carolina Speech Language and Hearing Association. Doug wrote a song for the 50th anniversary of the association. He is a past president and holds the Honors of the Association. He is also a Fellow of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. He is the one who recommended Stewart Cohen to me as the audiologist at the Charleston Speech and Hearing Center. He and wife Betty are fun folks to be around. They add zest to any situation. On this Thankful Thursday I am very thankful for the gifts that Doug McDonald brings to my life. Take a look at this video from 1958 when he was with the Martels.

Thankful Thursday is a day set aside to recognize the importance of someone to our lives. Let her or him know of your gratitude. Develop an attitude of gratitude. Say Something Nice: Be a Lifter. You will be glad that you did.

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Thankful Thursday – The Rev. Paul Pridgen Jr.

            On this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for my friend and mentor the Rev. Paul Pridgen Jr. Paul grew up the son of a well known fundamentalist preacher. He is proud of his father and all that he accomplished, but Paul has explored a different path and has influenced so many people. He helped found the Baptist/Catholic Dialogue and as pastor of the First Baptist Church of North Charleston brought needed health services into his church for the surrounding community. He is a tireless worker in fostering better racial relations. He continues to strive for the improvement of his city and county. Most of all he is a voice of reason in a climate of angry voices. Paul is respected by all who know him. He and his wonderful wife, Millie, make an unbeatable team. I am proud and thankful to call Paul Pridgen my friend. My only regret is that I didn’t get to know him long before I did.

            Thankful Thursday is an opportunity to select someone who is meaningful in your life and tell him or her. Make a telephone call, send a card, send an E-mail or pay him or her a visit. You will be glad that you did. It is an easy way to say thank you. All of life is relationships. Appreciate those who have contributed to your life and pass the blessings forward.

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