Today on this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for Marion Carnell. Over the years Marion and I have developed a wonderful rewarding friendship. Marion is a prince among men. During his fifty years in the South Carolina House of Representatives he helped so many people, especially those with mental and physical disabilities. He has been an outstanding leader in those programs and has received recognition from dozens of groups. He fostered the cause of higher education and the entire state benefited. I was happy to be on hand when the Marion P. Carnell Learning Center at Lander University was dedicated in his honor. Wherever I go people ask me about my brother. I have long since stopped correcting them and just accepting the compliment. Jack Bass, the author/reporter now in residence at the College of Charleston, told me once. “Marion is someone you can depend on. If he tells you, he will do something you can count on his word.” He did tremendous work with the South Carolina Highway Commission. Thanks to him, I got to tour the Arthur Ravenel Bridge before it opened. Marion and Sarah make a great couple. Today on this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for my brother/cousin Marion Carnell. Thankful Thursday is a day to express your appreciation for a special person in your life. Send a note by snail mail, call him or her on the telephone or send an E-mail. The important thing is to develop an attitude of gratitude. Let the people in your life know that you are thankful for their presence in your life. You will be glad you did.
