Not sure who to share this story with, but I felt like I need to write it down and send to someone! This Thanksgiving I had a reality check, or make that a reality shock!
Yesterday, November 24th, I went into San Diego to visit my mother who lives in a skilled home care facility in Hillcrest. Mom weaves in and out of Alzheimer symptoms and I am very happy that she seems to recognize me and is very grateful every time I go to see her.
She invited me to lunch with her and her "neighbor friends" as she calls them and I thanked her and told her I would be happy to. However in my mind, I knew I could not stay, but it was my pleasure to see the smile on her face. It was not about eating lunch, she wanted to introduce me to her friends and show me off.
As lunch time approached, I wheeled her out into the hallway to head toward the community dining room, and right across the hall from her room, two gentlemen -- 50-ish (heavy on the "ish" part I would assume from their faces)-- wheeled out together and one of them (Bob) had his eyes closed tightly and I thought was pretending to be blind and practicing.
The other man, Larry, in the back, was giving him verbal directions, "turn left a bit, no to much, back up." I mouthed to Larry, "Is he newly blind?" Larry nodded yes.
As the front man found his way to an adjoining room, Larry wheeled out to go down the hall with me and mom to the dining room. I could tell Larry had a right leg issue and I asked him how long he had signed up for duty.
He laughed, and told me that it was his 18th operation over the past 18 months and he had just had another surgery and was there hopefully not too long.
He asked me where I lived, and when I said Temecula, he said, "Oh, I have a mansion out off Clinton Keith Road (near Lake Ellsinore, just north of me). He went on to say he had another monster house in Las Vegas where he and his family once lived, but now the attorneys were settling his estate to pay doctor bills, lawyer bills and all.
I must have had a inquisitive look on my face, and he told me that 18 months ago he and his family were driving down the I-15 southbound toward his other home, when a big-rig truck smashed into his car, completely demolished it and killed his wife and whole family in the accident.
He was not bitter, just matter of fact, and said, almost under his breath, "I have no idea why a fool like me was the only one that survived, My wife and family, gone!" I touched his shoulder and said,. "Well, Larry, I guess you are here to help those like Bob and my mother, a dear sweet woman who sometimes does not even know where or who she is."
He said "Young lady, you have no idea. I have been in the gambling business for over 40 years and was a casino boss, and I have a lot of respect for your mother, as she is a woman who speaks up when the need is there on the care here."
Well, that is my Thanksgiving story this year. No fabrication. And I just cried in the car leaving the facility that I am so very grateful for my life and ability. And I am thankful for Bob and Larry for showing me that everyone has a reason for their existence and their helpfulness to others in this world. (You know, they don’t even realize it either).
Be Thankful for the world you live in and your friends, whether you have known them all your life, or just casually met them in the hallway of a medical care facility. Happy Thanksgiving!
Marti Scott
San Diego Native :)
I am most thankful for family. Whenever you need them they are there for you. Even if they are dead they can still listen to your prayers and watch over you. My family is wonderful! My grandpa, a retired doctor, is there for medical advice and if anyone needs any money at the time. My grandma was a nurse and is there to help out my grandpa with medical advice, is there to lend (or give) money, and is there to straighten my grandpa out.
My aunts and uncles are there to help out in any way and to visit me. My siblings are there for when I feel annoyed to help the cause or for when I need someone extra to guide me through life (which I do).
My mom and dad are here to give me things and tend to my every need (ha-ha), of course parents are also here to make sure you are happy. But what if I didn’t want money or medical advice or my grandpa straightened out? My family is also the most loving and caring family I could ever have wished for. As well as the other things, they can also help me if I have a personal problem or need. T.L.C. or want alone time. They honor that. And that is why I am most thankful for family.
Aliya Luther
6th grade
Miller Elementary School
I’m thankful for my dad because he protects the U.S.A. as he is in the Army. He went to South Korea. My mom went to South Korea to visit my dad.
Student in Mrs. Brizard’s class
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my family and I am so glad to have our military, like the Navy and Army. I thank them that they protect us and I am proud of them because I believe that they are all doing what they need to be doing. I hope they know that I care about them. I am thankful for my life because I am glad that I am alive. I am especially thankful for my 2 sisters, my 3 brothers and my dad. I am lucky to have them, otherwise I would not know what I would do without them. I love everything. I love to be thankful! It really is an honor to have you all in my heart.
Raychelle Espinoza
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my family because they give me things like money. They give me love and they protect me when something is happening. I am thankful for my dad because he helps me when I need help. My dad is a very hard worker. He tries very hard to spend time with his family. I am thankful for my sister because she helps me with my homework when my dad is not home. When I am hurt, she helps me, hugs me and makes me feel a little better because she will always be by me when I need it. I’m thankful for my little brother because when I am sick he gives me some food and a glass of water. I am thankful for my mom because she buys me things like clothes. My mom loves our family. She tries so hard to help us with things. She tries to be there when we need it.
Stephanie in Mrs. Brizard’s class
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I’m thankful for my mom because she always makes my food.
I’m thankful for my family because they love me.
I’m thankful for my dad because sometimes he helps me with my homework.
I’m thankful for my dad because he takes me and my uncle to the movies.
I’m thankful for my friend because he’s kind.
I’m thankful for my mom because she is the greatest mom I ever had.
I’m thankful for my teacher, Mrs. Brizard, because she is the kindest teacher I have had.
Student in Mrs. Brizard’s class
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my mom because I wouldn’t be here right now if it wasn’t for her. She is always there for me and my sister. She is like my light. She is my hero. I thank the military because I thank those people for fighting and sacrificing their lives for other people and for trying to keep our country safe. I am thankful for Jesus because he gave his life for us.
Robert in Mrs. Brizard’s class
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my parents because they give me love, treat me kindly and they protect me. I am thankful for my friends because they help and play with me and they make me happy when I am sad. They give me friendship. I am thankful for God because he makes me special and he makes us believe in him. I am thankful for Jesus because he died for us and he loves us. I am thankful for my teachers because they help me and they teach me everything. I am thankful for the library because I can borrow books from them. I am thankful for church because they make us believe in Jesus, and they make us trust Jesus and they make us learn about Jesus.
Shanna Xia
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for dad because he takes care when I am sick and because he helps me with my homework. I am thankful for my mom because she makes lunches for me and because she makes hot chocolate for me when it’s raining. I am thankful for my family because they love me and we love each other.
Tracey, Mrs. Brizard’s class
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my mom because she cools my family’s food. Without her we can starve to death. I am thankful for my dad because without him we would be poor because we wouldn’t have any money. I am thankful for my friends because with out my friends I don’t have anyone to talk to. I am thankful for my family because they take good care of me.
Elizabeth, #21
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my mom because she takes good care of me and she makes me feel happy. I am thankful for the holidays because they’re fun and joyful. I am thankful for the food we eat because it makes me feel healthy and grow better. I am thankful for the money my dad earns; we don’t have to trade things.
I am thankful for school because I learn new things and get smarter. I am thankful for TV because we can watch anything if we’re bored and we can watch sports instead of going to the baseball game. I am thankful for the friends that I have because they make me pleased. I am thankful for my toys because they are fun and you can take them anywhere. I am thankful for the clothes makers because the clothes make me warm. I am thankful for books because I like to read and I think that books are great.
Sakuna, #30
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my mom and dad because they love me and are always there for me. I am thankful for my friends because they are always helpful and kind to me. I am thankful for my health. I am thankful for everything I have because without my things I would be bored. I am thankful for my brother and my sister because without them I would be lonely. I am thankful for my relatives because they care for me. They love me and I would not like to live without them. I am thankful for food and water because they help me live. I am thankful for the military because they protect us.
Jeremy Kennon
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for trees because without trees we wouldn’t have any paper to write on. There would be no shade for people to sit under. We wouldn’t have delicious fruit to be eaten. The grass would be plain if there were no trees. You wouldn’t see the leaves change in the fall and couldn’t climb them to see the view. That’s why I’m thankful for trees.
Jacqueline in Mrs. Brizard’s class
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I’m thankful for my family because they take care of me and my brother and because a family is a group of people. And I love my family.
Justin Phipps
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I appreciate my friends and my family because they play with me and I won’t be lonely or bored. When I’m sad, they can cheer me up. I’m thankful for cares and planes because they get you places and they’re great for if you’re going on vacation to a different state, country or island.
Jeanice Felix
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for trees and plants because they make oxygen. Without oxygen, nothing would be alive like people, animals and fish.
Adriana Sinh
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for the world. If we didn’t have a governor, mayor or president, our world would be a trashcan. I wanted to thank everybody for keeping our world safe and clean, our environment should be clean and they kept it clean. They are very important to me and that is why I chose them. I am glad our environment is clean once again. Thank you.
Danny Gehlen
Miller Elementary School
I’m thankful for my family because if I didn’t have my family I wouldn’t have someone to take care of me when I get sick or when I get hurt. I wouldn’t have someone to tuck me in at night and I wouldn’t have anyone to play with me. I’d miss having someone to cuddle with me or to swim with in our pool. I wouldn’t have fun. I wouldn’t have someone to wake me up in the mornings to get me ready for school. I wouldn’t have anyone to kiss me when I go somewhere. I am thankful I have a family to help me with my homework, to take me to school every day, to comfort me when I’m sick. My family helps me to be smarter on my work. I’m thankful and appreciate my family.
Celeena Petrone
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I’m thankful for my mom because if I didn’t have my mom I would be an orphan. I’d be alone. I’m glad for love because if everyone did love each another there would be no more wars or fighting. I’m joyful for my friends because friends give joy to you and when you are down, they cheer you up. I’m glad for school because if there wasn’t any schools, how could we learn to write, read, draw, do science and find out about social studies. I appreciate food because if we didn’t have food we could not survive. Without food we would die. I appreciate the military because they protect our loved ones, the U.S.A. and the world.
Franchesca Todd
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my mom because if she hadn’t had me I would not be alive. I am thankful for my daddy because he helps me with everything. I am thankful for my faithful brother because he supports me in every way. I am delighted for my family because they are my family, and I love them.
Brittani Gay
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I’m thankful for my family. I am thankful for my family because I am loved and cared for. They help me stay healthy.
Michael McGuire
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful because of my friend because they always are there when I need them. I am thankful for my mom and dad because they always help me when I need them.
Student in Mrs. Brizard’s class
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my mom and dad. They give me my clothes. I am glad I have a dog and a brother names Allen. I have a special bedroom. I love my name and my hair. I eat great food. I am thankful for my friends and my books.
Allison in Mrs. Brizard’s class
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my friends because they are caring. I am thankful for my mom because she loves me a whole lot. She makes me so glad. She makes some great pies. I am thankful for the Navy because my dad is gone on the ship out to sea. I miss my dad a lot. I am thankful for my baby sister because she makes me excited. She makes me laugh at her. I am thankful for my nana because she is kind to me and she gives me books to me a lot.
Elizabeth in Mrs. Brizard’s class
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my family! Without them I would be alone with no one and I wouldn’t survive. I would be an orphan. They take care of me. They take care of me. They buy things for me. We are getting a new house and each of us gets our own rooms. We have to pay for electricity so we can’t have TVs in our rooms. Our house has 6 rooms, 3 living rooms, 4 bathrooms. I am thankful I have a house because some people don’t.
Shawn Way
4th Grade
Miller Elementary School
I’m thankful for my mom because she takes care of me. I think she is kind. She buys me things that I need. I am thankful for my dad because he buys me things too. He cares for me. I love him very much. And I’m glad to be part of my family.
Jenevieve DeCastro
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my mom because she gives me clothes and shelter. And also she gives me food and water. When I am sick she gives me medicine and she will tuck me in to bed and she will tell me goodnight. She would give me a kiss when I wake up she says good morning. That is what I am thankful for.
Courtney Ray
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for my own children and my students. I want all children to learn from me. I want to communicate with children wisely in ways that will draw their hearts to kindness, decency and wisdom. I am thankful for my family as they teach me how to love, laugh and forgive. They give me strength and courage to guide me through the chaos of like. They help me find meaning and purpose in striving toward truth and tackling challenges.
Laura Brizard
Miller Elementary School
I am thankful for friends because they help us out, stick up for us, help us if we were lonely. Our friends can help us out, stick up for us, help us if we we’re lonely. Our friends can help us with things that we can’t do or they can help us with our homework if it’s too hard like a book report. They can teach us new things or teach us to try new things. Friends can teach you fun stuff. If you didn’t have any friends, you wouldn’t have secrets to share with them. If your friend helps, you should help them back. Don’t leave them when they need help. If somebody you make sure you do the same back.
Brigitte Cardenas
4th grade
Miller Elementary School
I feel that these days I have a lot to be thankful for. I have an incredible mother, who supports me and always helps me to reach my goals, and the opportunity to make things better for myself, but what I am really thankful for is the wisdom and strength God has given me. I thank God for the wisdom and strength to concentrate on what is important, my future.
Nick
8th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I’m thankful for the wonderful parents I have, for the wonderful sister I have, for the wonderful grandparents I have, for my cousins, for my cousins, for my aunts and uncles… I’m thankful for all the memories, laughs I can share with my family … I’m thankful for all the good friends I have … I’m thankful for all the trips I’ve done, for all the education I’ve received, for all the LOVE I’ve received … I’m thankful that non of my family were injured or killed in the fire, that my house didn’t burn in the fire.
Adriana Covarrubias
6th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I’m thankful for my home and my family who care for me so much. For the uniforms I can afford and the books I can use for school. I am grateful for the extra things I own and the money I have. For the community I live in that holds so many caring people. Some of which are willing to share with those who don’t have as much. I’m grateful for the firefighters that can and will protect our neighborhoods. Yet, most of all I am thankful for the love the whole world shares.
Jessica Fabiola Jasso
6th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I am thankful for my family that they’re OK. Some of my relatives had to evacuate their homes. I am thankful that they are all right and that their houses didn’t get burnt down in the fire. I am thankful for a family that loves me. That people near the fire are OK, and I feel sorry for those who lost houses and have to rebuild. I am most of all thankful for that God protected my family and relatives during the fire.
Alisa Cotter
6th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I am thankful for my friends who tell great jokes and do the things I do. I am thankful for my family who takes care of me. Also for my teachers and our fighting forces, our government and our police and firefighters. I am also thankful for our beautiful country and our landscape. I am thankful for my house in which I can eat and sleep in. Also my school in which I can learn all of my subjects.
Sean Glass
6th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I am thankful for my home and all the things I have. When I heard that all the people that lost their homes had to stay at shelters because of the fire, I was grateful that I had my home. Everyone should be glad that they have a home and fresh clothes to put on in the morning. Some people who got evacuated didn’t even have time to pack their things that they would need. I learned a lot from the firestorm because it showed me that some people don’t have what I have.
Rosa Sanfilippo
6th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
What I am thankful for is that this year I’m going back to where I’m from. I moved out here from Tucson, Arizona, around one or two years ago. For as long as I can remember I’ve always gone to two places for Thanksgiving. One being my dad’s mom’s house, the other being my mom’s mom’s house. I always look toward some special things at both of those houses. At my dad’s mom’s house I look forward to the great food, my favorites are her honey-baked ham, and her boiled eggs that she puts on some sort of chili on. At my other grandmother’s house I look forward to great turkey, rolls and my crazy uncle!!!! Both of my grandmothers make excellent food. They both also love me dearly no matter what I do! I also look forward to my family gathering around the table and telling crazy and humorous stories about my parents or me.
Over recent dates I’ve become more thankful for my life as we all well know a terrible fire has hurt us all especially for the people whose houses have burned down! Also for the family members of the people that have suffered a terrible death. What I am thankful for is that I have a roof over my head and that I am still living. My grandmother’s sister’s house was burned to the ground because of the fire. This great fire has left its mark on all of us, even the people who haven’t lost their homes. I’m sure all of us feel their sadness. Basically, what I’m saying is that I am thankful for my health and my house!!!
Ryan Krueger
6th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I am thankful for still having my family because this last week many of my family members had to evacuate. Some of them lost their homes and others got lucky and all the other houses were burnt on their block except theirs. We had a lot of family members over our house Sunday because we had next-door neighbors for lunch plus our friends and family who had to evacuate. I am thankful they have their health, lives and some still their home. Bur for our family members who have no home, they are welcome here to stay anytime. We’ll all get through it I know it.
Maria McNally
6th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I am thankful for my house, school, dog, family, toys, clothes and bed. I am thankful for my house because it keeps me warm and it protects me, my school because I get a first-class education and I meet people, my dog because he loves me and keeps me company when I’m alone or scared. Also I’m thankful for my family because they brought me into this world and love me. Toys are things but they entertain me and are fun to play with. Clothes I’m thankful for because they also keep me warm and protect me. A bed is a mother thing but still it is comfortable and is good for relaxing. That is what I’m thankful for.
Robbie
St. Vincent de Paul School
I am thankful for a lot of things. I’m thankful for my mom and dad because they love me and take care of me and for my brother David. I’m thankful that I have a nice house, that I have my own room and that I live in San Diego. I am thankful that we don’t live near the fires of last week. I am thankful that I go to St. Vincent’s school and that I am learning lots of good things. I am thankful for my friends at school and my best bud Nick Meyers.
Nick Di Donato
4th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I’m thankful for our firefighters. I think the firefighters are doing really good. They have saved lots of houses. I’m pretty sure everyone in the world that knows about the fire is thankful, too. Thank you so much firefighters. I’m also thankful for my aunts and uncles because now most of them have babies. Thank you God for all these great things.
Lars
4th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I am thankful for having a family. I love my family because they will always love me and my brother. I am thankful for have a house. I am thankful for a house because it provides shelter, comfort and protection. I am thankful for having friends. I am thankful for friends because they help me when I feel bad and we enjoy each other. I am thankful for love. I am thankful for love because without it, I would not believe. I am thankful for peace because we need peace now.
Austin Farres Oriol
4th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I am thankful for my parents. Also, my other family members are special to me. I am also thankful for my house. I am thankful for my friends. Also, I am thankful for my pets. I am thankful for the meals I get every day. I am also thankful for my toys. I am thankful for the sports my parents sign me up for. I am thankful for the school I go to. I’m also thankful for the vacations I take.
Mitchel James Borgstrom
4th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I am thankful for my loving mom. I am thankful for my caring dad. I am thankful for my playful brothers. And I’m thankful for myself. I am thankful for a loving mom because she works to get the things my family needs. I am thankful for a caring dad because he makes my family meals. I am thankful for my playful brothers because they play with me when I am lonely. I am thankful for my family because they love and care for me; I couldn’t live without them. Most of all, I am thankful that I am alive!
Michael V. Sanvictores
4th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I’m thankful for my faith because it really helped me through these fires. I had faith that the fires would eventually go out and we would be OK. Without my faith I would not have been able to deal with the fires. This probably was one of the worst Halloweens for most people but not for me. My grandfather died seven years ago on Halloween and my faith helped me there, too. I use my faith everyday. I have faith that my mom will be there after school and that I’ll always come home to a safe and comfortable place.
Sarah Frontiera
6th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
What is family? Family is caring. Family is love. Family is fun. Family is hope. Family is togetherness. Family is kindness. No words can describe a family, only actions. A simple hug, a family outing, a family dinner, etc. These things truly define family. This is what I am thankful for, my family. A family is a special bond between family members, which causes them to be together. Family is family. When a family is not together there is a feeling of emptiness in their heart. Although many people have lost things you must remember there is always your family.
Paul Shiraishi
6th grade,
St. Vincent de Paul School
I’m thankful that my family is OK. I’m also thankful that my family wasn’t affected by the fire. I’m also thankful that my house wasn’t affected by the fire. I’m also thankful that my nanno and nanna are OK. I’m also thankful that my aunties didn’t have to evacuate their homes. I’m also thankful that I have school again. I’m thankful that most people made it out safely. I’m also thankful that my nanno and nanna are healthy. I’m also thankful that my nanna and nanno are still alive and active. I’m also thankful to my nanno and nanna for taking care of me when I’m sick.
Joseph C.
St. Vincent de Paul School
I am thankful for a healthy family. In the past week I realized I was not thankful for items or money. In the past week I realized that I was thankful for something that could not be replaceable, my family. I realized how important it was to have a family: a mother, a father, maybe a brother or a sister. I also noticed that a family was made up of human beings, but also pets. It is not that you love them more than a human family but you just love them in a different way.
Analucia P. Aliaga
6th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I was always thankful for a lot of things: food, water and my family. But now, after the fire I’m thankful for a lot more. I am thankful that my cousins are safe from the fire. I am thankful that the fire didn’t come near my house. I am thankful that the fire didn’t go near my grandma’s house. I am also thankful that the fire did not go near my friends’ houses. I am very thankful for all these things and I love God very much for saving my family. I hope the fires are put out soon, and that people that lost their homes would have a place to sleep. There are a lot of things that I’m thankful for, but these are the most important.
Anthony P. Gautille
6th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
I am thankful for a house still standing, that we can offer to others whose house is not standing. I always wonder why God picks some people over other people. I think everyone should be thankful that we have each other whom gives others we don’t know money, toys, clothes and a lot more things. My family and I have donated a lot of things to the poor and even the members who have lost their homes. If my house were to have burnt down, too, I know that I have the community there for my family and me. I know I will always be loved by family and friends and community, mostly all of California.
Julie Castagnola
6th grade
St. Vincent de Paul School
