Giving Thanks for the People Who Lift Us Up

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many blessings woven throughout this past year. Life moves fast. We rush from responsibility to responsibility, often without pausing to recognize the people who help lift us, steady us, encourage us, challenge us, and inspire us. This season offers a needed reminder to slow down and say thank you. Gratitude is one of the simplest gifts we can give, yet one of the most powerful. It strengthens relationships, softens burdens, and reminds us that we never walk through life alone.

I am deeply grateful for the many people in my world who consistently work to improve the community around us. Some serve quietly, never asking for recognition. Others step into leadership roles, helping guide vision and direction. Many simply show up each day with a kind word, a solution to a problem, or a willingness to help. Each one makes a difference, whether they realize it or not.

This year, I want to acknowledge some of the individuals who have touched my life in meaningful ways: Shaunda, Darrick, Cliff, Tim, Ralph, Kathy, Andre, Danielle, Arnie and Diane, Ashley and Mechelle, Nick, Amy, Mark, Earnie, Scott, David and Angel, Clarine and Bob, CCEF, Tom and Chris, Debbie, Nancy, Mike, Lori, Patrick, Joelle and Henri, Holli, Andrea, TGH, Adele, Donnie, Shawn, fellow School Board members past and present, Danielle and Dan, Annaliese, Blaise, Kim, Al, Chuck, Harold, Bill and Carole, Linda, Torry and Dianne, Bobby, SCST, Mom and Paul, Mike, JJ, Nikki, Wes, Amy, and Mike. The list could continue for pages because my life is filled with generous and caring people. To each of you, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your presence, your support, and your encouragement have shaped my days in more ways than you know. I pray for each of you and thank God for the blessing you are in my life.

While I am grateful for many, I want to offer a special word of thanks to my family, the foundation that steadies me. My wife, Thomasine, deserves the highest praise for her patience, grace, and endurance. She puts up with my work, my passions, and what I often call my lifelong IEP. Truthfully, that IEP should have her name as lead educator at the top because she deserves the credit for navigating it. She keeps me grounded, focused, and humble. She helps me be a better version of myself. I am thankful for her every single day.

My son Ethan brings joy wherever he goes. He has never met a stranger because everyone he encounters becomes a friend. His heart is wide open, and the world is brighter because of people like him. Savannah, my soon to be daughter in law, is talented, intelligent, steady, and a beautifully perfect match for our Ethan. Watching the two of them grow together has been one of the great joys of this season of life.

My daughter Genevieve continues to amaze me. She is a devoted nurse with a genuine love for caring for others. What she does not realize is that she cares for her parents as well, sometimes without even knowing it. She brings comfort, laughter, and encouragement into our lives. G’s Adam supports her, strengthens her, and makes her world better each day. He adds kindness and warmth to every room he enters.

Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude is not only something we feel. It is something we express. It is something we practice. It is something we choose. When we pause long enough to recognize the blessings around us, we discover that joy grows, relationships deepen, and our hearts soften toward one another.

This year let us commit to being a people who notice and appreciate the good. Let us be thankful for one another. Let us offer grace generously. Let us choose love in our actions, in our words, and in our daily interactions. Gratitude does not erase life’s challenges, but it does help us carry them with renewed perspective. It allows us to see the strength in those around us and the hope that comes from walking together.

As we gather for Thanksgiving and move into the holiday season, may our homes be filled with warmth, may our conversations be filled with kindness, and may our hearts be filled with peace.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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