Saturday, November 12, 2016
Graniteville • Vaucluse • Warrenville
Vol. 2, No. 11
Today I Give Thanks by Anne Fulcher I’ve come to find there are many things for me to give thanks about. As we approach the season of Thanksgiving I’d like to reflect on all of the many things we have to give thanks for. First and foremost, I am most thankful for my family. My mother, my two sons and the loves of their lives along with my precious granddaughter. We are happy, healthy and Blessed to have the support and love of one another. Loved ones are the glue that hold the family unit together and one does not have to be blood to be family. Some of the most cherished “family” members are those we welcome into our family while they were not born into it by birth. I am most thankful for my freedom. The freedom to vote, to live in a
free country, able to be recognized as a productive part of society as a woman, and able to have a good education and job. To have these privileges, I MUST give thanks to the men and women who are currently and who have previously served our country to protect our freedom. Many have lost their lives in order for us to be Blessed with our freedom. As the editor of the GVW Report, I am most thankful for freedom of speech. In many countries, I would not be able to write about my faith and the works of faith in our community along with the non-profits and churches. My youngest son taught English as a second language in China and the stories he told of the Communist country were terrifying. I can honestly say those three months he and his girlfriend lived there changed his life forever. Yet again, an-
other blessing that we take for granted in our everyday life. I am thankful to be able to have food on the table. Aiken County has a large population of poverty level homes that do not have the fortitude to have good, nourishing food for their family. Thankfully, there are several organizations in the area that are available to help the impoverished. Please take the time to donate to organizations such as Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center, ACTS of Aiken, Christ Central in Aiken and Hope Center, Graniteville. Each and every one of these organizations see a needs increase during the Holiday Season. Give a less fortunate family something to give thanks for. I am so thankful for the many of you who I call friends. There are many of you who I can call at the drop of a hat
if I need a favor. We take these relationships for granted as well. You see, since beginning my job in assisted living, I have many residents who have no one; AND I MEAN NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON. It breaks my heart to have their case worker come to visit them every few months…. Literally my heart hurts for these wonderful seniors. Have you ever thought about the seniors living in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities that may have no one? Think about this population who would appreciate a kind soul to come volunteer to spend time with them. Again, I beg you to be the Blessing that gives someone else a reason to give thanks. As we approach this much under-appreciated holiday of Thanksgiving, I want to give thanks to each and every one of the readers of the GVW Report.