What We're All Grateful For

These are the people who responded to my September 11th blog. They created a list of 11 things there grateful for.



The first person who wrote a list for this post is Mary or Mrs. Trask. She was my 6th grade teacher and was my math tutor all the way through sophomore year of high school. She now lives in Michigan with her husband, Garth and son, Gabriel.


1. I am thankful for my loving husband, Garth
2. and my adorable & fun son Gabriel
3. and my tough-as-nails dad
4. I am thankful for my faith which helps me though most tough times
5. and my friends, who are always there to listen
6. I am thankful for my past (which includes hoffman...and you of course)
7. and my future here in Michigan
8. which includes Saturdays of Notre Dame football, which I love
9. hikes on the beach, which I love too
10. days in the park with Gabe...nothing is better
11. and most of all I am thankful for people like you, who are inspirational to the rest of us who really have it easy

Thanks, Ms. Wendell or Mrs. Trask!


The second person who sent me their list is Lisa. My mom and her are really good friends. She has always called me her neighbor and I have always called her my neighbor even though we live miles apart. I don't know how it began. Here is her list:

Regarding September 11th:

"I had a few moments that were difficult yesterday. Being so close to all of it left quite a mark..."


1. My soul-mate husband, Phil
2. My amazing son, Sal
3. My amazing son, Rudy
4. Our simple home
5. My inspirational mother
6. My sisters, Terrie and Gina
7. My very large, very opinionated but supportive Italian family
8. My fantastic circle of friends
9. Restored hope
10. Music, moonlight, oceans
11. The arts and their impact

The next list is from Jessi. Jessi has been my friend for YEARS! She has Cerebral Palsy. She goes to Oakton and just got her very first apartment! I am very proud of her. Here is her list:


1. My mom, she is a wonderful person and a great advocate.
2. My Dad he is a great helper and always willing to have fun.
3. Brian, my brother he always makes me laugh.
4. Junior, my dog he is truly mans best friend.
5. My St. Louis family, you are always there for me.
6. My friends and helpers from my old and new life wouldn’t be the same without you.
7. My wheelchair, it helps me get around to the best of my ability.
8. The people at Oakton, they treat me as if I don’t have a disability
9. My ability to dance, it makes me happy.
10. My grandparents, they are so loving.
11. My new apartment it is my dream come true.
12. All of the people who I have met over the years that have helped improve my life friends, family, teachers and therapists

Wow! Jessi had 12 things on her list! Awesome!

The next person is Lauren. She is my 26 year old cousin and she is grateful for one thing:

"This holiday season I am grateful for my job of five years. With all the people in the US losing jobs, cars, homes & the ability to live their lives as they used to, I find myself humbled with the job I have & the company I work for."

No kidding, Lauren!



The next person on my list is Nicole. She is from South Africa and spent the summer at my favorite place...CAMP COURAGE!!! Nicole was one of my counselors in my cabin and we became very good friends.

Well, even though we dont celebrate Thanksgiving in my corner of the planet, I'd be happy to help you. We should all grateful for something in our lives, and these are my top 11 (in no particular order):



1) Im grateful for that 'clickey' thing that happens in your brain when you're trying to remember lyrics to a song, and finally do.
2) Im grateful that God created me in his image, so I expect great things out of me.
3) Im grateful for clouds, I still have not come across anything so constantly changing and beautiful as a cloud.
4) Im grateful for every person brought into my life. We all have a lasting effect on each other, no matter how brief the acquaintance.
5) Im grateful for my country, for being what it was and turning into what it is now.
6) Im grateful for my family, no explanation could come close to explaining why.
7) Im grateful for the postal service, nothing beats getting a crisp, stamped letter in the post addressed especially to you.
8) Im grateful for good intentions, people may not say or do exactly what you wish them too, but its the effort of them trying that makes you feel good.
9) Im grateful for ice cream, its cold, but fills you with warm fuzzy feelings.
10) Im grateful for regret, if you have one you really cant stand living with any more.
11) Im grateful for music, happy or sad, it always fits.

Thanks Nicole!


My brother's list was:

1. Medicine
2. Sports
3. Rules
4. America
5. Religion
6. Imagination
7. Family get togethers
8. Music
9. Computers
10. Dynavoxs...Me too, David!
11. Humor


What a mature list!



Here is my mom's list:



1. My children's smile
2. My health
3. My family's health
4. Warm sunshine
5. Raspberries
6. Dear old friends
7. My husband
8. A great father for my kids
9. Spring Green (our cabin in Wisconsin)
10. My parents
11. Wheelchairs

Thank you, Mom!



The point of having you all write in was to really highlight the point that yes, were different, we all have very different lives and ideas but if you take a careful look at our similarities, you will notice that we all said at least one thing on another person's list. My brother and Nicole are both grateful for music. How different can they be? One is a young woman from South Africa and the other is an American middle schooler and baseball player. Family was on EVERYBODY'S list! Wives were grateful for their husbands. Parents were grateful for their children. See, we are very different but at the end of the day, I think it is more useful to look at the similarities and realize that were all human at the end of the day. Just a thought.


During the middle of this week, I will send out another blog about the adventures I am having at college. For now, Happy Thanksgiving!