Star-Telegram readers tell us what they are thankful for this year

The Star-Telegram Editorial Board invited readers to share their Thanksgiving gratitude. Here is what they said:

I am so thankful that I live in America. I have been many places in the world but am always glad to get back to the U.S. We have our faults here, but it is far better than anywhere else in the world. I am also thankful for family and friends. Without them, the world would be a very lonely place indeed. My faith in the Lord is what I am most thankful for because without Him there is no hope at all.

-- Beverly Hindman, Burleson

I'm thankful for my family being together for the holidays this year. This time last year, my husband was serving in Iraq, and I was home with our 2-month-old. This year is a million times better. Happy Thanksgiving, indeed.

-- Rachel Engel, Wichita Falls

I'm thankful for my three handsome sons, my two beautiful daughters-in-law, my six grandchildren and my great-grandson. Our health and Proverbs 18:10: "The name of the Lord is a strong Tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe."

-- Connie Bailey, Lake Worth

I am thankful for my children Alex, Ava and Aaron and for my mother, who helps us make it through each day! I love you all very much!

-- Stacy Howell,

North Richland Hills

I'm thankful for God, not only for this good Thanksgiving Day but all the good days he has given me. And especially giving me the blessings to cope with my days that are not so good.

-- George J. Anthony,

Fort Worth

I am thankful for my husband of 46 years. I am thankful for our son, daughter-in-law, and 11-year-old twin grandchildren (Ethan & Emili). I love my family very much. I am thankful for our church family and that God has blessed us with a good life.

-- Barbara D. Agan, Keller

I'm thankful for living in America, which allows me the freedom of choice. I am thankful that God has blessed me with a wonderful husband, children and grandchildren. I am thankful for the pastor at Matthew Road Baptist Church; he teaches the meaning of the Bible.

-- Lisa Vilmin, Grand Prairie

I'm thankful to live in this area and being blessed with a God and family that makes me feel good from now on, even through eternity.

-- Jack O. Lewis, Haltom City

I am thankful for my lifelong friends and family for their willingness to step forward to help others during times of need. God bless them all.

-- Jake Ballard, Burleson

I am thankful for my wonderful wife and all of my family. I am thankful for my church and all my friends there. I am thankful for Texas, even though it is blood red. I am thankful for these United States, and thankful for our great President Barack Obama.

-- A.L. Vincent, Arlington

I am thankful for my GED test students, who work so hard each week studying for the GED exam so that they can build a better life for themselves and their children. I'm also thankful for my co-workers and our volunteers who also teach our students. They are all such a blessing to me!

-- Kathryn B. Thompson, Aledo

I am thankful friends urged me to move to Grapevine after years of loss and turmoil after service in Vietnam. Volunteering at the library and Rotary and the Masonic Lodge and GRACE has led to a life of service to others and helped to heal my scarred soul.

-- Bruce W. Rider,

Capt. USAFR (Ret.),

Grapevine

I'm thankful for: God, who created us and cares for each of us; the United States of America and the privilege to live here in freedom; my family: Jim and me, married 60 years, children, grandchildren, extended families; Travis Avenue Baptist Church and special friends, memories and spiritual experiences we have there. Count your blessings!

-- Bettie W. Johnson,

Fort Worth

I am thankful for life, health, family, loyal and steadfast friends. Thankful to live to participate in the re-election of our first African-American president and to be able to embrace and internalize the truth of Holy Scripture as recorded in Psalms 37:1-2.

-- Sue Turner, Fort Worth

I am thankful for my family; my dad and the spirit of sticking together that he instilled in all of us; the loving way that Dad and Mom raised us; my four brothers, who continue to look out for their sister; my children and grandchildren; and my friends, who are there for me in good times and bad and support me in countless ways.

-- Merry Lyn Bagwell, Colleyville

We are thankful for our state parks, which protect our water supply and wildlife and let us spend time in the great outdoors with our families. We are also thankful to Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, who is working to make sure our parks get the funds they need and deserve.

-- Luke Metzger, Austin

I am thankful for my loving husband (Melvin) of 40 years; our grown children, Keith and Heather and Lynnette and Sam; and our precious grandchildren, Lindley, Julie, and Aaron. I am grateful for Broadway Baptist Church, which provides meaningful worship every Sunday and amazing opportunities to serve the Lord in our wonderful community, Fort Worth!

-- Sarah J. Ogle, Fort Worth

I'm thankful for President Obama's re-election.

-- Brenda Austin, Benbrook

I'm thankful for the "Grand Ol' Flag" that waves so proudly; the green, glistening grasses in the dew of morning; a perfect glowing sunset at JAL West Ranch; tattered, faded pictures of dear grandparents; teary eyes of war-worn soldiers home again; for countless blessings from our glorious Lord, creator, provider, I'm gratefully elated!

-- Amy Vanderpoel,

Benbrook

I'm thankful for parents who gave me love -- and demanded accountability; teachers who disciplined and inspired us; coaches who benched us if we were late; teams who gave trophies only to winners; and my grandson, Hunter, a Marine ready to do whatever his country needs!

-- Mary Jane Jones, Fort Worth

I'm thankful for my son, Steve, who has survived two cancer surgeries this year and is continually improving. We're thankful for the love and support of all our family and many friends, and we continue to thank God every day for the many blessings he bestows upon us.

-- Don and Ruby Bressman,

Benbrook

We're thankful for The Cloisters Condominiums of Arlington for making our community a great complex in which to live. We're exceedingly proud of our management, maintenance staff, board of directors, neighbors and amenities. Here's to you for consistently getting things done in our respected community. We've remodeled and we're not leaving this special place.

-- Walt and Sharon Clements,

Arlington

I am thankful for the wisdom of my grandmother. When we offered to get her a "better" home, she declined. When she went to heaven, her home became mine because she knew I might need it. When I didn't have a place to go, she showed me the way home.

-- Elizabeth Guptill, Dallas

I'm thankful for a job I love and my entire TECH Fort Worth extended family -- staff, clients, board members, angel members, volunteers, sponsors -- for supporting an organization that allows me to spend my days helping the community to build more jobs. It is an unbelievably rewarding thing to do!

-- Darlene Ryan, Fort Worth

I'm thankful for all the hard times I've been through. Without them, I wouldn't know how to help others. For a mother and father who raised me though poor with love and to know the Lord.

-- Margaret Lillie Albaugh,

Albuquerque, N.M.

I am thankful for having life, my husband of 25 years, my two sons, all of my family here in the States and Mexico, my job at CISD, for being able to help others in need during the holiday season by giving more than receiving. God Bless!

-- Maricela Tobias Munoz,

Fort Worth

I'm thankful for my family for always being by me no matter what. I'm thankful for my children, who have gotten me this far in life. I'm thankful for the 22 months I had with my son before he died in 1991. I'm thankful I can say, "God bless America!"

-- Chanel Sanchez, Crowley

I'm thankful for everything that God has given me and my family.

-- Cathy Reed, Bridgeport

I'm thankful Obama is president and Rick Perry is not. Or any Republican for that matter.

-- Terry Bradley, Fort Worth

I'm thankful for God, my family and you.

-- Paul Plummer, Denton

I'm thankful to be witness to what remains of my grandmother as she slowly disappears due to Alzheimer's. As her full-time caregiver and single mom of three kids, our struggles as a family seem worthwhile when we can make her happy.

-- Cristina Mungilla, Fort Worth

I'm thankful for the countless blessings I have in life, both inherited and earned.

-- Kristy Remo, Fort Worth

I am thankful for having God in my life, my three sons and my eight grandchildren.

-- Wanda Wright, Fort Worth

I'm thankful for my Mom, Sheila Barrera, for her love and guidance; for my grandfather, R.E. Peacock; the company I work for, Siemens; and anyone who runs for office, especially the presidency. It takes courage and determination to endure the spotlight of scrutiny, knowing your faults and flaws, while being judged by others that have none!

-- Tildon Peacock, Euless

I'm thankful for my wife, Elba, who has fought back from a deadly disease, walked away from a serious car accident, works full time and inspires me to excel more than I ever have. She is a model for life and a positive force in the world.

-- Larry Watrous, Roanoke

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