Readers reflect on the holiday

As a departure from the normal helping of Spokesman-Review editorial opinion that usually occupies this space, we invited readers to share their own Thanksgiving reflections this holiday. Here are some of the responses. Thanks to all who participated, and happy Thanksgiving to all.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for my “boys.” My husband, Matt, because he does the dishes, and I don’t even have to ask. My older son, Brock, because he plays with his baby brother. My baby, Isaac, because we need to get spit-up-on once in a while, just to keep us humble.

— Alyssa Dunmore, Spokane

I am thankful for my son’s continued safety in Iraq, fighting to protect the world from terrorism and hate. Because of him, I am able to realize that “love” is a condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to my own.

— Alethea McKee, Otis Orchards, Wash.

I am most thankful for my fiance, Moose, for giving me our little girl Xpression, the one thing a number of doctors told me I would never have. Not only thankful for that, but for him being by my side through all the seizures and medical problems I have had and for being my voice when I couldn’t speak.

— Amanda Ybarra, Spokane Valley

I’m grateful for Spokane’s excellent libraries, absentee ballots, senior discounts, my automatic dishwasher, meditation, water aerobics and friends who are also computer illiterate.

— Colleen Kelley, Spokane

Our family – all four generations – enjoy the numerous pies made by me – seven, usually. Anyway, on the bottom of one or two plates, a small “X” will be made. The lucky member to receive such a plate wins a small prize. What fun to look.

— Mrs. Roy Raymond, Spokane

I’m mindful of and thankful for my seemingly limitless supply of wholly unwarranted blessings. Though worried about going broke, I am truly happy. Let’s look for ways to help others find cause for gratitude in these stressful times, which one day might be viewed as being “the good old days.”

— Tom Westbrook, Spokane

We should all be grateful for the heroic sacrifices of our fighting forces and their families who are making it possible for the rest of us to live relatively normal and comfortable lives. Thank you, you are our heroes. God bless them, and God bless America.

— Thomas L. State, Spokane

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and introspection. What have I been given and what am I doing with it? My answer – second chances. In a world where we all make mistakes, second chances are the greatest gift and the greatest opportunity. Make the most of them.

— Bob Wynhausen, Sandpoint

Precious relationships top my grateful list. I rejoice in 55 years of loving marriage, my children and grandchildren. I’m thankful to join in worship with friends, and I’ve also received kindness and support from many others. Thanksgiving helps me focus on my Lord who is blessing me with people.

— Carol Ure, Spokane

I am grateful that we live in a country that can survive the most divisive of elections without fearing breakout of civil war, or martial law declarations. We must always remember our Bill of Rights is the most important part of the Constitution and resist all efforts to weaken it.

— Bob Brown, Coeur d’Alene

There are many things for which I am thankful. Here are just a few: the right to disagree; free school (K-12); no battles fought here since 1812; The Spokesman-Review and other free newspapers; autumn; three hospitals within five miles of my home; my wonderful wife Rebecca and three healthy children.

— Douglas R. Benn, Spokane

We are grateful for this, our native land, where each and every individual has the liberty to independently seek, choose, and pursue – or not – a path to God’s presence, providence and mercy, without meeting the coercive power of the state or its instrumentalities or vested establishments as obstruction or direction.

— Shaykh al-Hajj Dawud Ahmad al-Amriki, Springdale, Wash.

Last fall a garbage truck pulled in front of me while I was bicycling. While skidding toward it, my last thought was “I could die now.” The collision resulted in a several broken bones, scrapes and bruises, a crumpled bike and busted helmet. This year I’m thankful to be alive and cycling.

— Bradley Bleck, Spokane

When I lower my baby boy’s limp little body into the crib at night, I witness a sleep so calm, for his mind is entirely unencumbered. How I wish I could preserve that peaceful slumber for ten thousand nights to come. I earnestly thank God for blessing me with a son.

— Jack Wood, Deer Park

Thanksgiving is for the birds! The turkeys we stuff. And we turkeys who get stuffed. Yet birds symbolize joyous giving of thanks. “Look at the birds of the air; your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Thanksgiving is for the birds, you of little faith.

David C. Schroeder, Clarkston

The mountains of North Idaho make me thankful to be strong. The lady bug makes me thankful that I step carefully. The arriving snow makes me grateful for shelter and firewood. The faculties of mind, body and heart make me realize that thanksgiving is a daily practice of gratitude and love.

— Susan Saxton D’Aoust, Clark Fork, Idaho