What shall I wish you?

To those who love the art of a deal, who will be first in line on Black Friday, who have to have the biggest, baddest electronic gadget, who think nothing of asking employees to be at their stations Thanksgiving evening, to you I wish Happy Shopping.

To those who value family time, easing into the holiday rush and not caving into the media frenzy surrounding the greed that drives this marketing machine, I wish Happy Thanksgiving.

I'm thankful for...

My faith, my husband who is my best friend, my co-workers Mark, Allie, Susan, Thomas and Debra, our great nieces Brittany and Alyssa and great nephews Kyle and Ryan, our church community, my upbringing by my parents Jim and Alberta.

I'm thankful for our military and all those who have bought us our freedom. I'm thankful that we have a home and live in a safe and kind neighborhood. I'm thankful that I'm a counselor and that I am entrusted with the lives of so many over the years. I'm thankful that as mediators we can help bring a little more peace to our world.

I'm thankful for the little miracles I see in life every day and for all that I can't now recall and that I at times take for granted.

I'm thankful for people who have mentored and helped me along my life's journey: Dr. John Keshock (JCU), Fred Vosen, Dr. Sally Wertheim (JCU), the teachers at NDA, my friend Fr. Tom Johns, my sister Jaye who has become a dear friend, Ann Clark, Terry Whalen, my classmates from St. Michael's who still meet monthly for lunch, Norma Delp, Albert Couch (our mediation teacher), my professional colleagues who have taught me so much. I have left many out, but they are not forgotten in my heart.

It is humbling to have all this and more for which I give thanks. On our wedding day, Fr. Tom told John and me that now together we have even more responsibility to do more for others and that more will be expected of us. We never forget that as we give thanks for abundant blessings.