Thanksgiving is only a week away. This traditional American holiday is often the catalyst for thoughts of gratitude for all that we have. Many families gather together on that day to share a meal and celebrate life’s abundances. A grateful heart often becomes a generous heart, and this cycle continues.
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
— William Arthur Ward
Several years ago, I came across a book that forever changed my thinking. Sarah Ban Breathnach asked her readers to consider keeping a “gratitude journal.” She explained that by simply recording at least five things each day for which we are grateful, we could change the quality of our lives.
“You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: The more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.”
— Breathnach, in “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy.”
Recently, I invited my readers to share what they are most thankful for. I would like to share their personal, inspired reflections.
From Evelyn Cullet, local author: “This past year has been a challenging one for me health-wise. I’m truly grateful and thankful for my understanding, caring doctor, and for his wonderful support staff who have helped me to recover more each day in every way.”
From Karen Curtin, cancer survivor: “I’m so thankful that I was here to see the birth of my granddaughter Lauren Rose and to see my daughter Jodi enter her senior year of high school. It’s all because of the power of prayer and good family and friends.”
From Sister Ann Marie Klasky, former pastoral associate at St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Oak Lawn: “First and foremost, I am grateful to God for the gift of my life! Without my life, I would have nothing else. Secondly, I thank God for His love and mercy in my life and in all our lives. And finally, I thank God for all the many good gifts lavished on me from before I was born — for faith, family and friends.”
From Kim Dearth, of Merrionette Park: “I am grateful for so much. The joys in my life have, by far, outnumbered the sorrows. I am most grateful for my family. I am so grateful to still have my parents with me. Listening to their wisdom and stories, feeling the support they have always given me, and their kindness to my children means so much.”
From Enza Piech, who is back in Oak Lawn: “Although this year has been a complete roller-coaster ride for our family, we’ve been blessed beyond measure with growth and prosperity. First it was our son Andrew who introduced his beautiful wife Emily into the Piech family. A couple of months later, our daughter Maria and her husband Brandon introduced another generation, with the birth of James Harrison. Recently, Andrew and Emily had their marriage blessed in church.”
From Prudence Yontez, of Hometown: “I am grateful for my wonderful family that includes four children, seven grandchildren and two sisters. My family loves me unconditionally. I’m also grateful for my wonderful lady friends who are aging gracefully and with senses of humor along with me. I have been blessed with a church family (Our Savior’s Lutheran Church), too, so I am extra blessed.”
From Mike Tuleja, former Oak Lawnian: “I am thankful for love — love from multiple churches that shared the story of my car accident 91/2 years ago and prayed for my recovery — love of the Lord who kept me alive — love of my wife who said ‘I do’ four years ago — and our newfound love in our 81/2 –month-old son, Landon.”
The Tulejas live in Texas on a Christian boys ranch and are the house parents of 10 boys. Mike grew up in Oak Lawn and is the product of Kolmar Elementary School and the former McGugan Junior High School in Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123. From their recent family photo, it is clear that you cannot take Chicago out of Chicago sports fans.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
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— Melody Beattie
A most happy and blessed Thanksgiving is wished to you and to your families!
Regina “Reggie” Sabadosa is a freelance writer who covers Oak Lawn and the surrounding communities. She can be emailed at [email protected].