”
In that same tradition that prompts us to be thankful at the
dinner table, let us publicly acknowledge this Thanksgiving season
some of the many graces we find in Gilroy.
”
~ So said the editorial opinion in The Dispatch of Nov. 27,
2002.
“In that same tradition that prompts us to be thankful at the dinner table, let us publicly acknowledge this Thanksgiving season some of the many graces we find in Gilroy.” ~ So said the editorial opinion in The Dispatch of Nov. 27, 2002.
Looking back to last year at Thanksgiving time, certainly a lot has happened in Gilroy since then – some things which have produced additional “graces” and other things that have, well, produced some rather interesting statements
So as we approach Thanksgiving Day 2003, I thought it would be interesting to search the archives of The Dispatch and share what some of our local writers have been thankful or grateful for over this past year. And there’s been quite a diversity of happenings, events and people for which these writers have expressed their feelings. So beginning from last December, let’s review some “cheers” and “jeers” of thankfulness and gratefulness.
Cheer: “Thanksgiving is not only a time to be thankful for what we have, but thankful for the opportunity to give as well.” ~ David Cox, director St. Joseph’s Family Center, letter Dec. 2.
Cheer: “We want to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff of the Skilled Nursing Unit of Saint Louise Regional Hospital.” ~ The family of Jennie Benetti, letter Dec. 17.
Cheer: “We are very grateful to both Robert and Sue Baker who for the last seven years have closed their business for the afternoon in order to spend it with the kids of the community who proudly have their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.” ~ Rachel Munoz, Gilroy PD, letter Dec. 24.
Cheer: “There has been such an outpouring of love and caring for us that we may not be able to thank each personally – we are deeply grateful.” ~ Christine, Peter, Sarah Chase, letter Jan. 30.
Cheer: “Occasionally I see the CHP and the Sheriff Department patrolling the route (Santa Teresa Boulevard) for which I am very grateful.” ~ Doug Marlitt, letter Feb. 27.
Jeer: “I’m thankful I don’t know you.” ~ Sal Murillo, letter March 14, speaking about letter writer Joyce Croul.
Cheer: “I am grateful that many years ago, a dedicated group of people formed the South County Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Project to help others learn to survive and to thrive after a major disruption.” ~ Mary Ellen Salzano, letter March 14
Cheer: “I am so thankful for this act of kindness.” ~ Pam Pena, letter April 11, speaking about a Good Samaritan finding her missing purse and turning it in at Starbucks.
Jeer: “I am very thankful that they (the Gilroy Christian churches) don’t all feel the need to knock on my door and solicit my presence.” ~ Denise Apuzzo, column April 24.
Cheer: “I, for one, am grateful for the beautiful addition (i.e. flagpoles) to our (Luigi Aprea) school.” ~ Sheri Meskimen, letter April 28.
Jeer: “Mr. McCormack’s observations, being so common to the rising extremist movement, should make us grateful that the school system ISN’T teaching religion.” ~ Bill Jones, letter May 30
Cheer: “We are extremely grateful for the services we received from the Habing Family Funeral Home.” ~ Christa Hanson, letter July 15.
Jeer: “But all you wonderfully compassionate conservatives should be thankful there are resources like Gardner (Family Health Network). Where else are your kids going to turn to when the horse gets too wild to ride?” ~ Dennis Taylor, column July 28.
Cheer: “I am so thankful for all the newspaper coverage you have given WERC’s two orphaned bobcats, Samantha and Miguel.” ~ Evelyn Davis, letter Sept. 29.
Cheer: “We are very grateful to all the family, friends and supporters who made a point of bringing ALL their vehicles to be washed.” ~ Joan Pires, Gilroy FFA Boosters, letter Oct. 7.
Cheer: “We are fortunate to have a music department (at GHS) at a time when music is being eliminated at many schools … As a parent I am deeply grateful for all the support our students have received.” ~ Arcelia O’Connor, letter Oct. 24.
Cheer: “This store (Wal-Mart) has given me more than any other job. I am so grateful.” ~ Miae Morales, letter Oct. 30.
So for the writers who expressed “cheers” of gratefulness or thankfulness this past year, may this quote by Margaret Cousins be your reward: “Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.”
And for the writers who expressed “jeers” of gratefulness or thankfulness this past year, let’s hope that 2004 will provide you the opportunity to turn your jeers into cheers.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but an (ungrateful) spirit dries up the bones.” ~Proverbs 17:22.
