Staff Report
Having a day of Thanksgiving in America is older than the country itself. Early settlers used the day as a way to give thanks to God.
The tradition of a Thanksgiving meal began in 1621, at the Plymouth Plantation, where the settlers held a harvest feast after a successful growing season. During the three-day celebration, the Pilgrims gave thanks to God and to the American Indians who helped them survive the harsh winter by showing the settlers how to harvest the food in America.
Every year, as Thanksgiving approaches, The Daily Star asks readers what they are thankful for, and it appears, it is much the same as that first Thanksgiving _ family, faith and friends top many readers' lists.
Here are their responses:
I am thankful for my family. I love all members, but I am especially thankful for my healthy and happy son, Lukie, and that my father survived his stroke without any handicapping conditions. I am also thankful for people like my husband, who maintains a good attitude during trying times like these. Last, but not least, I am thankful that Phish got back together again.
_ Michele White of Oneonta
I am thankful for the life my parents gave me; my devoted and loving husband, Daniel; family and friends (Mary, Jim and Mary Jo and Walter, too); the men and women serving our country to secure the rights and freedom that we have; God and all his blessings _ blessings to everyone _ also to you, The Daily Star, for giving us this chance to express what we are thankful for.
_ Lisa Ploutz-Key of Stamford
I am thankful every day for the blessings in my life. I have eight beautiful children and a wonderful family. My mother is my best friend. We tell each other everything. My husband will do anything to provide for and help his family. And I am also thankful that in this economy I have a wonderful job as a nurse that I truly love. I truly am blessed this season and with every season that passes.
_ Rhealeen Copeland-Ordaz of Sidney
I am thankful for the Reminiscers Car Club members, especially Willie Gosslinger. Willie graciously granted my wish for my father to be carried to his final resting place in the back of his beautiful antique '52 Ford pick-up truck in August of this year. He gave my father, Dennis Hamm, the one thing he longed for. Thank you all for coming. It was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. God bless you.
_ Mary Beth Hamm
of Mechanicsville, Md.
At the end of this year, our daughter will be born. A gift we thought we would never get, and she will be healthy. Thankful for those who have graced our lives this past year, and for those to come. I'm hopeful for a bright future to come. Warm wishes and thoughts to all in the next coming months.
_ Shannon McHugh
of Oneonta
The things for which I am thankful center on my wife and family, which extends to eight grandchildren. We have been blessed by being born in a culture that has allowed us many opportunities to expand our interests and to achieve goals many other people in the world do not have the chance to pursue. In short, on a personal note, we are grateful for the type of existence that has been bestowed on us.
_ Walter J. Grill
of DeLancey
First of all I'm thankful I'm an American. Next I'm thankful for my family and many friends. Next I'm thankful I'm self-supporting and in good health. Last but not least, I have a job and am able to work at age 81.
_ Dorothy Manley
of Hartwick
At 85, I have much to be thankful for. Virgil and I had two sons, four grandchildren and a great-grandson. In 1999, I lost Virgil to cancer. Life isn't the same. I have three sisters, a brother-in-law and his wife, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Anna helps me mornings. Dawn and Walt bring meals. Millie takes me to church. Others call and help. My kitten, Sweet Pea, wakes me each morning. I am truly blessed.
_ Willa Houck
of Walton
These are some of the things I am thankful for: Being an American; a caring church with a pastor who not only preaches the word but he and his family live it; my faith in God and love to serve him by helping others; being taught early as a child to respect others and their rights; Mars Hill Radio; a doctor who will answer my questions; my friends and pen pals.
_ Lena K. Hunt of Oneonta
I'm so thankful. I'm away from my family this year so I find I'm more grateful than ever. My mom and dad, they're amazing. My family, blessed with health and hope. I couldn't ask for more, well except Shirley Popp's corn casserole. I'm thankful for new opportunities and second chances. For kindness and courage. But especially for life. There's always, always, always, something to be thankful for.
_ Samantha L. Roupp of Bloomville
I am thankful for my family, friends, health and GOD! Without any of them I would be nowhere. They motivate me, inspire me and guide me through the most important parts of my life.
_ Jessica Heaney of Otego
I am most thankful for working as a team with my wonderful husband to raise our amazing daughter over the last year. I couldn't have done it without him!
_ Allison Lundin
of Oneonta
I am thankful for the beautiful son I was blessed with in September, and for the life I live, and the family and friends I have.
_ Loretta Fish
of Springfield Center
I have said this before, but believe me, I will say it again! Words cannot express how thankful I am to have found the Arc of Delaware County. To be among staff that care so much for people with disabilities is certainly something to be thankful for! To help those people acquire their hopes and dreams is truly a blessing. Every day is Thanksgiving at the Arc of Delaware County!
_ Arlene Goedel of Delhi
I am thankful for my three handsome sons. Each one has a very separate and distinct personality, and all three can bring a smile to my face no matter how bad my day may have been. My children are a blessing and a gift.
_ Carol Buell-Madison
of Edmeston
There are many things I am thankful for, but one of the greatest is a decision my husband, Wes, and I made. In 2003, we moved into the St. James' senior community. Wes passed away two years ago, and I am even more thankful I am here. John Haight, Kathy Clarkson and the employees are so wonderful. They care for us here and are concerned for each resident. I thank God for this wonderful place.
_ Virginia Coddington of Oneonta
I am thankful for my wonderful husband and family. Thankful for seven wonderful grandchildren who always can make me smile. Thank God for sparing my life twice, so I am able to tell them how much I love them every day. Live each day as it was your last and never forget to thank God for that day.
_ Jan Harrison of Oneonta
I am thankful for each new day and the blessings it brings. I am thankful for God and his plan of Salvation (John 3:16) that we may have eternal life. I am also thankful for a loving, devoted husband, for friends, family and our church family, our home, for food on our table and all of God's provisions. There are just so many things to be thankful for I can't fit them in 75 words.
_ Laura Edwards of Gilboa
I was born on Thanksgiving Day in 1929, and will be 80 on Thanksgiving Day this year. That, with some reservations, is one thing I'm thankful for (my wife, also.)
_ William F. Roberts
of Otego
I'm thankful for: a body that functions, giving me life; a loving Creator who gives me spiritual life through Jesus; friends and family; the farmers who supply my food; the truckers who transport it; the skills of the gal who cuts my hair; my faithful dentist; my mail carrier who leaves dog treats; our military grandson; all those who have, and are, protecting our nation. May we live together in peace with all mankind.
_ Pat DuBois of Maryland
I'm thankful for my faith and, most of all, for my family. After major back surgery, my brother, Walter ,moved in to take care of me. His wife, Barbara; my brother, Ed Sr.; and his wife, Betty; along with my nieces, Lisa, Wendy, Vickie, Christine; and nephews, Ed Jr. and Ryan; all came together and helped to care for me. I can never thank them enough.
_ Francine E. Renwick
of Oneonta
I am thankful for the health I have been granted. I am thankful for the clean air and water, the lush mountains with all their colors and textures and the safety this beautiful area provides me. I am thankful for my family, friends and animals that I love and also support me. I am thankful for this country and this planet I live on.
_ Yvonne Ackley of Sidney
Thanksgiving makes us remember what we are thankful for. I am thankful for my children and husband, without them I don't know where I would be. I am thankful for living in a country whose brave soldiers protect for our freedom. I am thankful for love of friends and family. Let us remember all the people who will not be here to celebrate such a glorious holiday. For those we should be most thankful for.
_ Sue Ellen Parker
of Burlington Flats
On Sept. 25, 2008, our only child, William, died suddenly after being stricken at home just two days before his 14th birthday. We have so many people who have touched our lives in so many ways and have helped us make it through this first year. When this tragedy struck, we could not have imagined making it this far. With the tremendous support of so many, we did, and for that we are very thankful.
_ Bill and Alicia Terry
of Gilboa
I have a lifetime of memories with my beautiful mother, who loved and raised four daughters, despite having Multiple Sclerosis. She taught us the skills to sew, paint, cook and bake. She was a kind and gentle spirit, who passed away peacefully on Oct. 5, 2009, and I was with her. I am thankful to have been her daughter.
_ Maureen Culbert
of East Springfield
I am thankful for my health, sufficient food and shelter, adequate finances and some truly good people (and pets!) that have made my life less of a struggle. But to WHOM (or WHAT) should I be thankful? This sometimes troubles me. But I like to think that my uncertainty could perhaps be the continuation of an ongoing learning process; and that after my time as "Roger" has been completed, my education will continue.
_ Roger Weiss of Stamford
I am thankful for many things. I have a happy brother, Garret Kinkley. I have a nice, warm house to live in. I have two grandmothers that love me. I have a mom who cooks real food. I have a happy home in Stamford. I have a cat named Adorable Jamison who loves me. I have a dad who wrestles with me.
_ Jamison A. Rickard, 4,
of Stamford
I'm thankful that my beloved M.M. is still here; thankful that I'm back to work at the job I enjoy; thankful for the roof over my head, food on the table, my two cars and a great "church family" who puts up with my loud singing every Sunday.
_ Carolyn J. Crain
of Oneonta
I am thankful I'm a Christian and know the Lord is my savior. My husband was killed in an accident a year ago, and if I did not have the Lord to help me, I don't think I could have made it through. I am thankful for my daughter, Terri Beers, who has been my angel. And Pastor and Mrs. Allen and friends at the Otego Christian Church, who have been so helpful.
_ Dorothy M. Harris
of Otego
I am thankful to have reached 80. I have a wonderful family to look after me in times of need and to be there for happy times. I am also thankful to live in a community that has a dependable and respectful ambulance service and thankful for the hard-working doctors and nurses at Fox Hospital for their TLC. I am thankful each day that I have a comfortable place to live and can enjoy life.
_ Eleanor Wheeler
of Oneonta
I am thankful for my whole family. I am thankful that my mommy is having a baby, and I am thankful that Nanny gives me treats when I use the potty.
_ Avery Morse, 4, of Oneonta
