Giving Thanks 2023

As Thanksgiving 2023 approaches, I find myself giving thanks all-around. As always, I’m thankful for the typical; good health, family, friends, work, and an abundance of great opportunities. This year, I’d like to spotlight my thanks for my cell phone. I know it may sound funny, but my cell phone opens a tremendous amount of independence. Because of my iPhone, that has a built-in accessibility feature under settings, I can jot down notes, find scriptures in the bible, and online shop for any and everything all by myself! My iPhone is handy and enhances my independence. Once again, this year, I wanted to know what a few of my co-workers were thankful for and as always, their responses didn’t disappoint.

Dawn-When I am asked about what I am thankful for, I think there are many things, where do I begin? I am thankful for my children, family, and each day I wake up. I am thankful for the life experiences I have had and the fact that I can use my journey to help others see that there are better days ahead. Some days will be easy, some days will be hard but what we need to remember is that each day we live, we can use these opportunities to help others make it to their next day. I am beyond blessed and thankful to be someone that others feel comfortable coming and talking with, no matter what the topic is.

Lisa-I’m grateful for the opportunities the HEART program has given me. I feel I have come along way and have accomplished a lot in such a short time.  I would recommend anyone who’s interested in the HEART program to join.

(Note: The H.E.A.R.T. program, Helping Employee’s Achieve Results and Triumphs, is a service of Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley.  It helps employees recognized and fulfill their dreams.)

Michael- I’m thankful for my grandfather. For as long as I can remember, it’s been his practice to send handwritten cards with words of blessings to friends and family on their birthdays and other special occasions. Even as I got married, moved away, and started a family, he continued to send cards, and not just to me, but to my wife and my son who shares his name. He passed this October, and as we gathered to celebrate his life, we all reflected on how much this simple gesture meant to each of us. I’m thankful for my grandfather because he taught me to be thankful for the opportunities I have to participate in the lives of others, to connect, and to show love.

As you can see, Dawn, Lisa, Michael, and myself have a lot to be thankful for. Life is busy and complicated but, through all the hustle and bustle it’s good to just stop and give thanks. No matter how big or small, my hope is for you to know you have much to be thankful for this year.

I want to encourage you to make a list this thanksgiving of what you’re thankful for. Your list may just surprise you for I’m sure there are components working on your behalf that you probably haven’t even paid attention to.

Just know, I’m thankful to all of you for helping me Make Things Happen!

Happy Thanksgiving!