It's Thanksgiving, and that means, for many of us, it is time to reflect upon the year, our thanks, and, for some, the reflection on our challenges.
For some, this means a day of mourning, and for many, a day of family gathering and celebrating coming together.
I've asked the team at The JOLT to spare a moment to send a thought, a statement, or a giving of thanks.
Thank you so much for all of you,
~ Sage Hamilton, Associate Editor
From Amy Lewis, literary columnist:
I'm grateful for my home, the ones I love and my adorable dogs and my snooty cat. For beautiful words still being written and for hope where I can find it. And for my love, Kevin, who astounds me with his courage and heart every day.
From Debra L. Glasser, M.D., medical columnist:
I am thankful that I live in the Pacific Northwest.
From Shirley Stirling, who writes about sterling people:
I wish the best to all at the beginning of this holiday season. Let's use it to strengthen the bonds of friendship and family.
From Kathleen Anderson, wisdom columnist:
I am thankful for the opportunity to share my life with my family - both by blood and by choice.
Editor's note: Kathleen's column this week, "Opening my gratitude diary," tells much more.
From JM Simpson:
I met and talked with these three homeless individuals this afternoon. During our chat, one of them mentioned that tomorrow is Thanksgiving. "This is what our Thanksgiving looks like," the woman simply said. When I asked her to elaborate, she added, "Where we are and what we've got says it all.
Her comment brought to mind my wish that Thanksgiving would be a bit more meaningful if the homeless could celebrate Thanksgiving the way most of us will.
From Jerome Tuaño:
Despite many of my anxieties, both personal and worldly, I am very much grateful for all the good things that have come to me this year. The opportunities, new learnings and personal realizations will only allow me to live a better life in 2025 and the years ahead. I am grateful for my friends and family and all the lasting memories, adventures, remarkable dinners and conversations I've shared with them. I'm equally grateful that I am still here to enjoy this very moment and all the little things.
From Kameko Marquez:
This year, I’m thankful for the breakthroughs in my life, both personal and professional. Challenges turned into opportunities, and losses into better paths—including my recent role with The JOLT, where I’ve discovered a renewed sense of purpose and growth.
From JC Medina:
I’m grateful for simply surviving a very challenging year. Here’s to resilience, support and brighter days ahead. Happy Thanksgiving!
From Lorilyn Lirio:
Grateful for my sister Irene’s nudge to dust off my passport and venture beyond my familiar walls. I was hoping to see foliage, but instead, I experienced 240km/h winds brought by Typhoon Kong-rey, turning my trip into a five-day additional adventure.
Nevertheless, it was the best experience for this year – getting lost in translation, scenic hikes, historic streets, good food (no msg, please), and efficient public transport.
Thank you, Kiko and Dos, Ronnel, Alot, Rina, Mafi, Vilma, Gina, Annie, Lei, Yolly, Edna, Odette, Mia, Doris, Miriam, Jenny M. You are all my happy pill.
Thank you to my former editors and mentors – Zaldy D., Franklin Cabaluna, Fred Marquez, Abner (forever our chief), Zaldy DL (soon to be a mayor), Atty. Toto, and Janet for always being there to answer my random questions and share your wisdom, even though we are no longer in the same newsroom.
Thank you, Olympia, for a year-round of interesting coverage, and The JOLT team.
From Danny Stusser:
I'm grateful for a really good reason to focus on local news and for the great place we live. And for the recently extended runway The JOLT has received from our supporters from which we can take off next year. I'm especially grateful for our cooking columnist, Shannon Beigert, who keeps me well-fed in every important way. And I'm self-consciously grateful that, lately, I'm allowed the last word a little more often.
Readers: If you feel compelled to tell Thurston County what you're feeling today, please comment below. Thank you.
2 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
GinnyAnn
I'm grateful to The Jolt for bringing local news into my home every morning without national politics or other bias. I enjoy reading about the people in my community who are doing wonderful acts of kindness.
Friday, November 29 Report this
GeorgeBurazer
My wife and I are thankful that the JOLT is part of the fabric of of the community it serves.
We'll take a second helping of local news, please.
Friday, November 29 Report this