On this Thanksgiving I am grateful for my Papa Woodie. He is very sick with cancer and I am grateful that he is still here to teach me important things and tell me wonderful stories. He is the best grandfather and I just wanted to let him know how much I love him and how glad I am that he is here with us on this special Thanksgiving.

There is much to be thankful, for living in the best country and city in the world. I have been blessed to have been married to a wonderful husband of fifty years! I'm thankful that I have two daughters, three grandchildren, and two great grandsons.

I am thankful for the fine doctors and health care personnel at Sharp Hospital and Scripps Hospital. I'm also thankful for my caring family who supported me through two life threatening illnesses. On December 9, 1990 (see article in the San Diego Union) I fell off a ladder while getting Christmas decorations down from the attic. I was principal of Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley at the time. I hit my head and was in a coma for a month and remained in Sharp Hospital for a year undergoing nine surgeries, some on my skull, and a long rehabilitation. I lost my sense of smell and 39 IQ points of intelligence from the tests at the time.

I am thankful for love, peace and joy. They are the most important things in the world. As long as you have love, hope, peace and joy you will always be happy I think.

LOVE means to me to feel important and if you are down someone will come and comfort you.
HOPE is when you don't just give up, you can try and try again, but never give up.
PEACE is when everyone loves one another and doesn't fight with each other
JOY is to have a good time and be carefree.

I am thankful that my parents taught me to "fish" in life rather than doling out "fish" to me every time I thought I needed something. What I thought at the time was them not loving me, ultimately turned out to be their ultimate act of love by teaching me to use my brain and be resourceful. The result is that I am responsible in life, and for my actions.

Our lives really changed on October 23, 2001. My husband, Wayne, had a stroke. He still doesn't speak much because he can't remember the words to say (aphasia) and his arm doesn't work on his right side. You become very grateful for people who come into your life and the friends who stay to help. One friend, Esther Arnello, became my husband's caregiver for about six months when he was a fall risk and took him to therapy while I was at work.

I am thankful for our country where we can live freely and not be judged on the color of our skin but by the content of our character. I am thankful for the strong and powerful people who have led this country threw sadness and hardship. I am thankful for the people who have risked their lives to make our nation a powerful and free nation. I am thankful for America, land of the free and home of the brave. God bless America.

I am thankful for water. It quenches not only our thirst by also the earth. I enjoy seeing many beautiful flowers, bright green grass, and tall trees in many neighborhoods while walking. We are apt to forget that the climate here is a desert and the green is preserved because of water which is sprinkled every day. If water hadn't come here, the greenery would have died and San Diego would have come to an end. Water produces the greenery and it delights the eye and the heart. Forever Water!

This year I'm very thankful to have my home which I wouldn't if a very brave neighbor had not stopped the fire literally at my back porch with garden hoses. John T. risked his life and was truly a hero. Had he not stopped it where he did, not only would I be homeless but so would a lot of other people on down from me as our area did not have firefighters. As I told John, he didn't just save my house, he saved my HOME with all of its memories and irreplaceable items and 20 years of hard work. THANK YOU John! My thoughts are with those who were not as fortunate.

There are many things that I am thankful for. I'm thankful for my pet dog, Jake, because he makes me feel good when I have a bad day. Jake makes me feel so happy that I'm so thankful that he is a part of my life. Jake is like anothr brother to me. Even though Jake is a dog, he listens to what I have to say and plays catch with me. That is why I am thankful for my dog, Jake.

Have you ever thought about what you have, and how lucky it seems to have? I thought about it, and I don't know how I would last this long without my parents. No matter what, they have stuck with me, and the never gave up on me. Even if I am a pain in the butt, they still love and care for me. They were there for me from day one.

I have been thankful since the first day I came to this country. My life has changed completely. I'm living the life I wanted to live. I have freedom, help from every person I know, I'm educating myself, trying my best to be better each day, and the most important part is that I have created my own family.

First, I would like to thank God for my blessings and Graces. Second from the bottom of my heart I especially would like to thank my family, my boyfriend and friends for being there for me these past months. I have no other way to say or show how much I appreciate them for their love and support.

My family gives thanks for the men and women still over in Iraq being taunted, shot at, and living in uncomfortable conditions. We have not forgotten them and what they are doing for us and their country. THANK-YOU!!!

Life is Enough: Some people are thankful for their family, friends and material things. I myself am thankful for simply waking up every morning. Just the thrill of being alive makes me happy. Of course, I am also thankful for my family, friends and material things, but just being alive satisfies me.

I am thankful for peace. Peace settles wars that dramatically kill so many innocent people. Peace is something that we need. Peace settles fights, peace resolves so many things so that no one else will get hurt. Harmony is something you should be thankful for. That's why I am thankful for peace.

I'm grateful for my family because they're always there for me. They care for me, comfort me, and they always let me know I'm special in their eyes. Their love helps me carry on in life and I will always cherish them.

I am grateful for my family because they love me and help me to be cheerful. I appreciate my family because they challenge me to be who I am. I am thankful for my family because I'm delighted when they're with me.

I am grateful for my family. I am thankful for my dad because he gives me a lot of love and plays soccer and catch with me. I appreciate my mother for her kindness to me and for her protection over me. I am grateful for my sister who shares with me. I love my family very much.

I am grateful for my mom and dad because they keep me safe. They keep me safe because they love me and I am their only girl.

I appreciate my family. I like my sister's attitude, enthusiasm, and cleverness. I feel gratitude for my dad for helping me with life. I am thankful for the wordy mom I have, for correcting me in every way she can. Thank you, God, for my loving family.

I am thankful for my parents for taking care of me and bringing me to school. I am also grateful for the life that I received and for the talent I inherited from my mom and dad. I appreciate my parents for helping me through problems I can not face on my own.

I am thankful for the knowledge I receive every day. I'm obliged to my teacher who exercises my brain and gives me tangled knots and skeins to untangle. My parents walk with me step by step until I find the needle in the bale of hay. Last, I'm grateful for the enlightenment that my younger sister shares through experiencing life with her eyes. The wisdom I am exposed to every day is the best of it all!

The most significant parts of my life are my family who cherish me and the comfy but small house I live in and love. Gratitude spills out from me toward them, from my wonderful cat, T.C., who helped care for me when I was a baby to my marvelous grandmother, whose voice never fails to brighten my day. As for my house, it protects me from the cold night and provides shelter and safety from harsh winds. I'll always love my caring family and the snug house I live in, here in San Diego.

I'm thankful for my family. They all do a lot for me. My mom takes me to fun places and we love to go shopping. My dad takes me and my sister to movies, especially funny ones. Even if my sister, Morgan, and I argue a lot about things, I still appreciate her. I always feel better when she talks nicely to me. I really love my family.

I am grateful for the safety my aunt, grandma, and uncle give me. I am grateful for my aunt who reminds me of these lessons every day when she makes me say "no drinking, no smoking, no drugs."

I am thankful for my parents. They give me comfort and love. They give me solace when I am sick or sad. My parents love me every day. Also, they will always love me anywhere I am.

I am very appreciative of my talents. If I could thank them at this moment, I would. Every day I call out to at least one of them, and they come like a very obedient dog being called by his owner. My talents have many different names, like, Art, Climb, Cooking, Karate, Writing, Reading, Studying, etc. Sometimes they visit other people, but they always come back. Always.

I am thankful for my parents because they take care of me and love me. I feel gratitude toward my parents' affection for me. As a result of this my parents always encourage me. For these reasons and more I am grateful to my parents.

Thank you to all the men and women of the armed forces. Freedom is not Free. These men and women dedicate their lives to maintain the freedom of our country and fight for freedom in countries that struggle with cruel leaders, terrorism and lack of freedom. They are my heroes. Thank you for caring.

I am thankful for a lot of things. One of the things that I am thankful for is my parents. My parents help me get through my life and they take care of me. I am thankful for my brother and sisters because they make life fun and it makes it so that you do not get every thing that you want.

I am really thankful for my parents, my sisters, and my best friend, Samantha. I am thankful for my parents because they brought me into this world. My parents also buy me things I need in this world to survive. They buy clothes, shoes, food, drinks, school supplies, and other stuff necessary for life. They also buy my things that I really don't need. My parents make sure that my sisters and I are safe every day and they made sure that my family and I live in a safe home and neighborhood. They buy me things to see me happy. My parents also take me on vacation.

I am thankful for many things in my life. I am most thankful for my wonderful family. I have kind, caring and loving parents and two wonderful brothers. We have a nice home and live a very nice life. I am also thankful for my close extended family and for all of my friends. But most of all I am thankful that we are healthy, happy and get to live in such a wonderful and free country.

I am thankful for ... I am thankful for my friends,
For I don't think I would ever be able to live my life without them.
When it's dark and I don't know if I should turn left or right,
My friends are there to guide me to the light.
When I am shy,
My friends are there to push me in a supportive way.
When I need to hear the truth,
My friends never lie.
When I cry,
My friends are there, and they help me through the fear.
I am thankful for my friends,
For they are always there, and they always care about me.

I'm thankful to my husband. When I married three years ago, I told my husband that my dream was to live in the U.S. After marriage, he studied English very hard and got a chance to study at UCSD for his work. I didn't expect how fast he would grant my request.

My family came to San Diego this February. We have lived for eight months here. All of us are very healthy due to the good weather, especially my youngest daughter who is the most healty in my family. When she was in South Korea, she had often been sick, so she had to go to the hospital with my wife. Since we stayed here in San Diego, she has never been sick because it seems like San Diego has good weather, fresh air, and a clean environment. I love my youngest daughter a lot, and I hope she will keep her good health until my family comes back to my country next year. I really love San Diego.

I am thankful for my friends, family, and most of all I am thankful for the love and encouragement that is given to me year after year and day after day.

This year my life has been turned upside down by a beautiful little boy with auburn curls and big brown eyes! This will be my grandson Evan's first Thanksgiving. Oh, the things he has taught his "Grammy" in ten short months! He has reminded me of the excitement in looking at the moon, picking fall leaves from our tree, and just how sweet a spoonful of vanilla ice cream can be. More importantly, he has taught me the importance of well-placed priorities and the value of time.

I want to express my gratitude for my stepson. He came into my life almost two years ago; introduced by my incredible husband. He has changed my life in the best way; I never imagined life could be so fun. I am so thankful to be a part of his wonderful family. He let me into his life so easily. Although I am not his mother, he is my first son. I want to let James know, his parents (all of them) love him so.

I am thankful for my family. I appreciate the sacrifices my family makes for me. I'm grateful for my mother who is talented at almost everything. I'm indebted to my dad for my father in all his smart ways. I'm glad that I have my sisters happy and bissful, and that's why I am thankful.

I am obliged to my family because they adore me and would risk their lives for me. My mom and dad would tell me to go outside before they do when there is a fire. They work extra hours so I can have a good home. They teach me whatever they can to help me in school. The only parents I want is my parents.

I am thankful for my mom. I am thankful for my mom because she has given me life. The things that my mom does for me are give me a home, feed me, and love me. My mom means a lot to me because she under stands me in every single way. Whenever I am sad my mom puts a smile back on my face and makes me feel much better. When I grow up I want to be as caring as her. I wouldn't change my mom for any thing in the world and that is why I'm so thankful for my mom.

I am thankful to myself. I have a great family and a great life. I am thankful for God. Without God, my family wouldn't be here. And without my family, I wouldn't be here.

I am thankful for my mom and dad who tuck me into bed and kiss me goodnight every night, who take me to all the sports that I do. They are always there for me in good times and in bad times. I also have my sisters. They encourage me to do well. I can look up to them and they will teach me the right way to do things. I even have my grandparents who, I am very thankful for but because I know that I can go over to their house and be welcomed without asking. I know when I come to my school I will be welcomed. I have friends waiting for me to play with them. So I would like to thank you God, and everyone else for what they have given me.

I am thankful for many things, such as mom, dad, and a family who loves me. My pets and house are also things I am thankful for. I also thank God for giving me my life of happiness in a country that is free.

For this essay we are supposed to write about what we are thankful for. I can't possibly list all of my kudos, otherwise I would go over the limit of pages. Although I may not always show it, I am thankful for everything I have. From now on I will try not to take all of my blessings for granted. Here is the think I am most thankful for.

I'm thankful for the meals I eat everyday and the nice clothes I get to wear to school and on the weekends. I try to always be grateful for all I have. I have a family who loves and cares for me. A dad and mom who work hard to buy me things I need and things I want. They also help me with my homework. I have a younger brother and an older sister and I have a lot of cool animals. I have many things to be thankful for at Thanksgiving and always.

I am thankful for the world and the fruit it bears. For the love we share here on Earth. For the care that people give to the poor. For everything right here. Love, care, a home to share and things that are all around. Yet, sometimes I wonder why I am thankful for all of this. Is it because I like what I have, or because I know some do not? Yes, that is it because others do not. So I am thankful for everything I have. But most of all I have enough to share with the poor.

What I am thankful for is my family and friends. My family helps me in school and at home with schoolwork. My family has taught me to respect others, be kind to living things, and treat others right. One more thing my family has done that I am thankful for is they gave me life, their love, and they also have given me their trust. My family will always be there for me.

I am thankful for lots of things, but family is what I'm thankful for most. What I've realized is that family won't be around forever and Thanksgiving is a great get-together. I have family in many different states and in Canada. The people that live out of town only come to San Diego for special events, but I know and care about them.

There are many things I am thankful for, including families, friends and myself. These are things that God gave me, and these are things I am happy for. Families are very close to me. I am grateful for them. I do not only have one family, but many more in my extended family. They make me happy and I am grateful for that.

I'm thankful that I have the ability to play basketball. Other people can't play basketball because they are very sick, or they are hurt very badly. I'm thankful for the anything wrong with me, like being in the hospital. I'm also thankful that I have a wonderful family that supports me in whatever I do and loves me no matter what I do or what happens to me.

What I'm thankful for is that I have a home, a family and many other things. I think people should be thankful for what they have because not everyone has a family or a home. We should also be thankful to God for making us and putting plants, animals, and other living things on Earth. Once in a while I think that we should think about what we have and thank God, because I know not everyone thinks. All everyone thinks of is I need, I need and not about needs and wants. I hope you enjoyed what I am thankful for.

What I an thankful for is that this year I am going back to where I'm from. I moved out here from Tucson, Arizona around one or two years ago.

I think I am most thankful for my parents because they help me in life. My dad will help me fix things when they break. My mom helps me with school things if I need help. My dad has his own business to provide us with food, clothes, shelter and other fun things. My mom does harder work than my dad. She has to clean up after him and everyone else. I am thankful for my whole family because it is nice to have a big family. Most of all I am thankful to God for giving me life with a world full of amazing things.

I'm thankful for living in America. I love living here because we are free. We Americans have so many rights. We can vote for whom we like, and we can speak out for what is right. So many people here are immigrants from different countries. They are here for freedom and a better life. Many immigrants have gotten a better life here. The things is they had a bad life where they lived. We have a great life compared to others. This is what I'm thankful for.

This Thanksgiving I'm thankful for having my family, because I know that two years ago September 11th caused death for many families. I'm very sorry for all those families, especially the little children who lost parents. I'm thankful that I have a family who loves and cares for me this year. I hope those little children had other family members for the holidays this year. I love doing things with my family and I appreciate all the vacations, holidays, and even just regular days I've had with my feat family. I love you guys!

I'm thankful for my family. My family is very important to me because they love and care for me no matter what. I have a big family and we all are grateful for being able to be with each other. On every holiday we get together and I am joyful that we can spend the holidays together. On Thanksgiving, we sit down at the table and we each say what we are grateful for. All of us say we are appreciative to be with each other. My family is the best gift God gave me and I am thankful for them.

I'm thankful for my nanno and nanna. They have done a lot for me. They take care of me when I'm sick. My nanno takes me to football practice and comes to my baseball games. My nanna teaches me how to cook. I'm also thankful that they tell me stories about WWII and some other stories.

I'm thankful for everything. Even though I'm thankful for everything in the world, there are some things that stand out in my life. I'm thankful for my grandparents because they are always there for me. I love my grandparents so much for just always being there for me.

I am thankful for my family. They help me, support me, and raise me. I am also thankful for my friends who make me laugh. They also do the things I do so I'm not bored. I'm also thankful for my house which I can eat and sleep in, my school where I can learn my subjects. I am also thankful for my Church where I can pray. I am also thankful for my Religion, for plants and all life. I am mostly thankful for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Religion really helps me.