A Few of the Things I’m Thankful For This Year
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love gathering with family and friends over a delicious meal, and in the midst of what can be a busy time, I always try to take a moment to pause and reflect on the things that I’m thankful for.
First and foremost, I am grateful for my family, and that we have had another happy, healthy year together, including the birth of a baby who Tom and I proudly consider an honorary granddaughter (and spoil like one).
But representing New Hampshire in the Senate, I also get a look at some of the many wonderful things happening across our state. And while this is not a comprehensive list, as Thanksgiving fast approaches I wanted to share with you some of the many other people and things that I am grateful for this year:
Our servicemen and women who keep us safe. On my way home to New Hampshire from Washington for the Thanksgiving break, I ran into two New Hampshire National Guardsmen who were on their way home from business in Washington as well. I hope we can all take some time this Thanksgiving to remember the members of the armed services and our citizen soldiers who work to keep us safe and free every day — including, of course, those whose service is keeping them away from their families this Thanksgiving.
The bravery of Granite Staters in recovery and those who have lost loved ones to the opioid crisis. As the opioid crisis continues to ravage communities across our state, I’m extremely grateful for those in recovery and everyone who has lost a loved one to this devastating crisis who is speaking out to help combat the stigma surrounding addiction and working to help stem the tide of this epidemic.
Our state’s strong tradition of volunteerism. Earlier this year, it was extraordinary to see the excitement on the faces of two families who were moving into new homes that had been built by volunteers in the community through Habitat for Humanity.
Spending time with our veterans at the state Veterans Home. At various events throughout the year, I have the opportunity to visit with veterans at the New Hampshire Veterans Home. Our veterans represent the heart and soul of America, and I’m so grateful and proud of the work that the staff and volunteers at the Veterans Home do every day to care for them.
Students who are fighting to combat gun violence. While students should not have to march for their lives, seeing the remarkable activism of young people across our state and country gives me great hope for our next generation of leaders.
These are just a few of the many things I am thankful for as I prepare to gather with extended family for a potluck Thanksgiving meal (I’m bringing the homemade cranberry sauce this year, pictured above).
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
