Giving Thanks
We asked our readers to tell us what they’re most thankful for this year. Here are their responses.
“We are thankful for the community of West Milford that has sustained through monetary and food donations our food pantries since the start of the pandemic. It is through their generosity that our families have received some help to weather hard times.” - West Milford Presbyterian Church Food Pantry
“I’m thankful for my hootchie-kooch, smooch-pooch, Bonny.” - David Richard, Milford
“I am most thankful that I live in Sussex County. It is safe here and the people are wonderful. If you need a helping hand you can always find it here.” - Linda Hayden, Sparta
“My family and my country.” - Jim Kensek, Highland Lakes
“I am most thankful for first responders and essential workers for their tireless efforts during the COVID pandemic. I am also grateful for the dedicated doctors and caring, compassionate staff at Regional Cancer Center in Sparta. Modern medicine has also greatly contributed to life getting back to normal. Lastly, to our family and friends for their undying love and support.” - Catherine Goodwin, Sparta
“God, family and country.” - Carlos Bento, Greeley
“I am especially thankful for being sober this Thanksgiving, as I am now in my 40th year of sobriety. I feel blessed to have an opportunity to have a second chance at life.” - Jo-Ann Stafford, Newton
“I am thankful for my family, my health, and for living in such a wonderful community!” - Lauren Rivera, Milford
“We’re most thankful for John ‘Poppy’ Hornyak (age 96) for his never-ending love, support, and laughter!” - Hornyak Family, Ogdensburg
“I am thankful for surviving another year with the grace of God. I’m thankful for my boys Mackenzie and Aidan and my Fiancé Raiseth. As well as the whole Healy family.” - Sean Healy, Newton
“I’m thankful I got to marry my best friend Brian this year, for finding and settling in to our first home together, and all the special memories and traditions we’ll make together in the years ahead.” - Britt Bosloper, Wantage
“I am thankful to take time off from working and spend it doing the most important thing of all — taking care of my family.” - Sarah Sutton, Matamoras
“I am most thankful for family, neighbors and friends who continue to amaze me with their grace, generous spirits and thoughtful manners. We are of all denominations, races, backgrounds and political views, but somehow with open hearts and acceptance we always find that common ground to celebrate and give thanks for. The ability to accept others thoughts and ideas although different from ours, has been a little hard to find lately. So for that reason, I give thanks to all who surround me and for their open hearts and forward thinking! Happy Thanksgiving and may we all celebrate all of our differences and find a way forward in this challenging time.” - Ali McMenamin, Dingmans Ferry
“When I was younger, I worked for Pan Am for 23 years. During that time I was fortunate enough to fly anywhere in the world I wished to. Among my trips were some very beautiful places, however, the most intriguing was a trip to Moscow & St. Petersburg lasting 10 days in 1987. While I was able to partake in ‘guided’ tours, I always had the feeling roaming free was not an option. This lead to the overwhelming ‘Give Thanks’ feeling I had when my plane landed back at JFK Airport. There is no place like the U.S.A.” - Bonnie Hickey, West Milford