Parents, in-laws made sacrifices on her behalf

I wake up grateful every day for life's blessings. It is our family however, past and present, that provides real meaning and unconditional love and acceptance in my life.

History has shown that human beings can endure tremendous suffering and yet still survive, not allowing a painful past to define them. My parents and in-laws were examples of this. We listened to their stories, yet our experience was so different that we were unable as children to fully comprehend the sacrifices they'd made on our behalf. These sacrifices ensured that we lived in safe neighborhoods, never experiencing persecution, hunger or homelessness, or the atrocities of war. Although we were of different religious backgrounds, both families became one, sending a strong message that our combined faith enhanced our lives.

This Thanksgiving I am especially thankful for the example set by our parents, for without their courage and unwavering determination, my family, as I know it, would not even exist.

Joanne Gurion

Rolling Meadows