Let us give thanks

On this day of Thanksgiving, readers across the Fox Valley share what they're particularly grateful for. Even in this tough economy when so many people are struggling, it seems plenty among us have much to fill their lives.

Thank you, Mabel!

I am so thankful for my very good friend Mabel Tasnedi. This 90-year-old women is a wonder! She not only looks out for many seniors but has been there for me though sickness and surgery. She takes care of her own house and drives her friends places because they can no longer drive. She has gone to my son's nursing home with me when the pain of going alone is too much. My good friend is game to try anything I can think of to do and is a joy to be with. Even though there are almost thirty years age between us we have a great time because she is so youthful. God bless all of the Mabels in this world!

Sherry King, Elgin

Thanks for the U.S.A.

I'm writing this to be included with those others who have written in with their "thankful sharing" letters. My name is Lenny Clancy. I live in St. Charles with my wife, Kelley, and daughters Erin and Colleen. We are all grateful to live in the good oil' USA! I am especially thankful to belong to a church community, the Geneva United Methodist Church, and a recovery fellowship in the Fox Valley area, which is teaching me (and many others) how to live soberly and spiritually. (If you know the first letter of the alphabet; you will be able to find this fellowship quite easily).

The Clancy Family, St. Charles

A special thanks

I am so very grateful to the St. Peter and Paul Parish in Cary friends who helped out our three younger children when I was having a stem-cell transplant and needed to be in isolation for 32 days! My husband acted as my caregiver and our children were "home alone." This generous, thoughtful and caring bunch of people brought meals and made sure everyone was very well fed. This meant so very much to us and I appreciate the opportunity to publicly thank every single one who contributed to making this situation so much less stressful for our family. May God Bless you all!

Eileen Doody, Cary

Thanks for fighting so hard, Dad

I am so thankful for my father and the memories that I hold close to my heart. My dad was such an inspiration while fighting his battle with cancer. After being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 1985 he said that he would never speak the words "why me?" because that would mean that he was wishing this illness upon someone else and he would never want to do that. He held on every day possible because he said that he never knew what might happen that day or the next and he would miss it. Even though he was in pain and struggling he wanted to be here and fight. And fight he did! He never complained or let on about how much pain he was in or how miserable he was. He just kept on keeping on as long as he possibly could. He tried everything possible to win his battle or at least to stay with us as long as possible. I know how much courage and strength it took to do this. My dad lost his fight on May 10, 1989, but I will always remember him with great admiration and love. I will forever be proud and humbled by this man who was brave and had the guts to face cancer head on and fight it as long as his body would allow. I miss him greatly but am very thankful to have had him in my life.

Julie Costello, Elgin

Special thanks to "Nana and Papa"

This Thanksgiving I would like to take the opportunity to give thanks for my parents, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Wise. Whether it was participating in Illinois Park's PTA, attending plays and concerts at Larkin, or now being "Nana and Papa" to my children, my parents, Bob and Trudy, have continuously supported me in every aspect of my life.

There are many people that grow up never knowing the love and support of their parents. I can honestly say that I would not be the woman/mother I am today if it not been for my mom and dad's guidance and encouragement.

Life does not always work out the way we think it should, but whether its your parents, your children, or other people that touch your life in a positive way, be thankful, and tell them so. I just did! Happy Thanksgiving!

Kathy (Wise) Agney, Strasburg, Ill.

Thank you, family of mine

I am thankful for family. I love you Tom and Kamryn! I am also thankful for my sister, Marisela Guzman, she has been a great inspiration and help in my life. I love you Marisela!

Janice Guzman

We are thankful for mommy!

My name is Marty Kugia. Sam, Ben, and I are thankful for mommy (my wife Gina) for taking care of us everyday. We love her.

Marty Kugia, Huntley

Thanks for daughter-in-law

I would like to give thanks to my daughter-in-law, Dannielle Nilles who has made my son very happy. Happy Thanksgiving Dannielle! Love Mom

Linda Parkhurst, Carpentersville

"I love them both so much!"

I am thankful for my husband and son. My husband Carmine works in sales and often works long hours. He works very hard so I am able to stay home and care for our 10 month old son, Anthony. He is a great father and husband, he always puts Anthony or my needs before his own. I love and appreciate him so much! My son Anthony is an adorable sweet baby. He is always happy and wants to play. He puts a smile on face everyday, even if I am having a bad one. I do not know where I would be without them! I love them both so much!

Lindsi Gulli, Elgin

Thankful for the gift of grace

I am 91 years old and have seen good times and bad in my many years. I am thankful for many things but this poem that I wrote some time ago expresses the thing I am most thankful for. No matter what has happened in life, good and bad, God's grace has sustained me through it all. This sentiment may not be politically correct these days, but it has been my experience and the blessing for which I am most grateful.

The Ground is Level

The ground is level at the foot of the cross;

There is forgiveness for all who will come

And bow and accept the free gift of grace

From Our Father, when He gave us His Son.

The Son was so willing to dies for our sins;

He suffered such pain, at such cost.

And that's why the ground is all level

When we come to the foot of the cross.

The poor may come, there is nothing to pay,

The outcast the whole world may despise;

The big and the small, He welcomes them all

For they aren't judged according to size.

The young and the old, the lame and blind,

Those with hearing or memory loss

Are invited to come for their healing

On the level ground 'round the cross.

So come everyone to the level ground

No matter the color of your skin;

The red, the yellow, the black and the white,

For God has created all men.

There is a blessing for all who will come

To have healing from sin's terrible dross;

And peace and contentment for each of us

Can be found on the level ground 'neath the cross.

Katherine Tillman, Elgin

For all the little angels

I would like to give thanks to all my little angels that have been helping me through the last couple of years. with all the up and downs that have happen you all have been there for me. If it weren't for all of you that say keep you chin up it gets better, and there were a lot of those days. So my little angels thank you for all being you! My father, Pete, my husband Jon (I love you dearly), friends Midge, Kim, Sharon, Bob, Fran, Mary and Barb, and all my angels I missed! Happy Thanksgiving,

Jessie

For Alyssa and Becky

We are so very thankful for our daughters Alyssa and Becky. Their enthusiasm for life, their talents and their laughter make each and every day so very special.

Patty and Duane Weimer, Algonquin

For what we have ...

My son was burned on 63 percent of his body in September of this year. It was hard but I am thankful that he is alive and doing better. We own two vehicles, but I'm thankful at least one of them is working. My husband is laid off for the winter, but I thankful I have a job delivering the Daily Herald. This job has seen us through many Christmases for our 27 grandchildren. I have many aches and pains, but I am thankful for what health I do have. Most of all I am thankful for God's mercy and love in my life.

Ruth Hernandez

Families are forever

I am so thankful to my nephew, Mike Fikis and his wife Candace for including me into their family and letting me be part of my great-niece's life. My sister passed away in 1993, and when I look into Jordan's eyes I can see my sister and think of how excited she would have been to be a grandma. Although she does have three wonderful grandsons, Jordan is the first granddaughter and she brings back a lot of my sister's features. Jordan's parents never say no when I ask to take her overnight or take thousands of pictures of her. They don't have to include me, but they do and it makes my heart so thankful. Families are forever.

Great-Aunt Sally Bovee, West Chicago

Thanks for Daddy!

This Thanksgiving, I am so thankful for my Daddy! Daddy and I are best buddies and love to play together! We have so much fun walking to the park and playing outside! Daddy works hard every day so that Mommy and I can be at home together! We are so thankful to Daddy for providing us with a warm house to live in and food to eat each and every day!

Daddy is the best, and we love him sooooo much! Thank you for everything you do for us Daddy! Love, Payton (and Mommy too!) XOXO

Jennifer Grischow, Schaumburg

My rock and salvation

I give thanks and praise to my Lord Jesus Christ. He is my rock and my salvation in whom I put all my trust. The things of this life will certainly pass away, however, my eternal salvation is assured thanks to Jesus' payment for my sins with His death on the cross. Put your hope in Christ except His free gift of eternal salvation!

Lori Asen, Sleepy Hollow