Readers share messages of thankfulness
In observance of Thanksgiving Day today, The Modesto Bee asked its readers, via Facebook, what they are thankful for this year. Here is a sampling of the responses:
Norma Bustamante-Kizer – My mom had been battling bile duct cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer for the last three years, and last month she was told that she’s cancer free!
Danielle De Motte – I’m thankful that I am sober and have my own home now with my beautiful daughter. You see, I went down a bad path about a year ago, I had nowhere to live, had lost my daughter to CPS and all my money went to my habits. But now I’m clean, I have a job and a place to live – but, most important, I have my daughter back!
Dan Rogers – I’m thankful for my wife, kids and our collective good health. Everything else is secondary.
Amanda Freeman Stallcup – I’m thankful that this year my son, who was diagnosed autistic two years ago, started mainstream kindergarten without any aides or extra help. He is doing amazing and actually one of the best kids in the class.
Veronica Phillips – I grew up in the Central Valley and ended up in Phoenix in 2008. My family moved back to my hometown of Ceres in March of 2012 in pursuit of services for my two children, who were essentially nonverbal when we moved back. That November, magic happened with my autistic daughter and she started talking. I am thankful to be in an area where my children’s needs are valued and services are available. This year, we have seen tremendous progress in both of our specials, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Sarah Benegas – I got three kids – single parent, two jobs, live paycheck to paycheck, so thankful to have the Lord, roof over my head and three kids that help me with all.
Michelle Denise Rivera – I lost my 16-year-old niece, Mariah, in April. My family is devastated but I’m thankful that her death has made an impact on so many people and has brought my family closer than ever, also made us stronger. ... I’m thankful that throughout this horrible tragedy, it has changed and touched so many lives. I’m a different person in a good way..
Yvette Luna – I am truly blessed with another opportunity in life with my son. He is 20 years old and sustained a traumatic brain injury two years ago. He will never be the same son I knew for the first 17 years of life, but he is here today. Life has dramatically changed for my whole family. We are starting life over again. He is currently in a wheelchair and speaks a few words. We are working day and night to give him some quality of life. He almost died and I am thankful for his life today. He is our hero. Note to everyone: Wear a helmet!
Melissa White – I am so thankful to be able to send my children to a wonderful school every morning, where I know that their teachers, despite being overworked, understaffed and underpaid, are taught, treated and cared for as if all perfect. Giving thanks this year for all the amazing teachers who dedicate their lives to educating our future.
Wanda Elsberry – My brother fought for his life due to a pulmonary embolism “artery blockage” in both lungs. By the grace of God and a miracle, I am so thankful he is alive today.
Beka Cornelison Wunschel – I’m most grateful for Modesto. I moved here kicking and screaming. I’ve learned so much. Modesto is very family friendly and loving. You must be intentional and create your best life. It is doable here. We always comment how we have created our own bubble. We all do that. You find your people and embrace it.
Nancy Norton – I’m most thankful that my husband is still alive and doing better with so many close calls with cancer, heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease in the last four years. So I guess I’m really most thankful for modern medicine and the doctors who sacrificed so much of their lives for schooling to treat the ill.
Matthew Womack – Well, being a 14-year-old freshman in high school, I’d say I’m thankful for my dad’s support in my education and, more importantly, my goals of being a photographer. I’m thankful for all my support from my friends at The House Modesto and my friends for being there for me.
Marcia Cameron – I am thankful my daughter-in-law is eight years cancer free (from stage four!) and I am four months cancer free. Survivors learn true appreciation for life.
Alisha Gonzalez – For going vegan and sparing the lives of animal families being torn apart.
Jennifer Pearson – I am thankful for all of the doctors and nursing staff that helped my 9-month-old daughter overcome meningitis. Also, I am thankful for our friends and family members that have helped us in many ways during the three months she’s been in the hospital, such as giving her gifts and helping us pay her medical bills.
Krystal Moreno – My daughter has been saying we are blessed lately. She is 6 years old and knows that we are lucky to have a home, food and clothes. I am thankful that my child is learning humility. I am thankful my daughter cares just as much as I do about the homeless and always wants to give her own money to help feed them. I am thankful that she prays for them. I am thankful for her heart.
Michelle R. Pacheco – God first. My family. Oh, and my raise I got at work. Thank you.
This story was originally published November 26, 2014 at 3:20 PM with the headline "Readers share messages of thankfulness."