Thankful In Jefferson County

editorial-logo3It is rather difficult to believe that Thanksgiving is coming this week. It seems like only yesterday that we were carving pumpkins and I was listing the scariest things in JeffersonCounty. Those days of fall fun are almost gone and I can hear the faintest sound of sleigh bells. We, as a community, have much to be thankful for this, and every, year. Those that are on facebook have probably seen the lists from friends, detailing what they are thankful for this year. I have never been much of a participator but I have really enjoyed reading what others have offered thanks for. Here is my abbreviated list of Thanks

I am thankful for our volunteer spirit in Jefferson County. For those that arrive early to set up events and stay late to make sure that things get done, I am thankful. You send extra, work the rotten shift at the concession stand and man the booth in the freezing rain. Whether it is handing out coats for the cold or stocking the food pantry, you give your time to the community and we are better for it. For you and your community spirit, I am thankful.

I am thankful for our police, fire fighters, rescue squad, ambulance/EMT, and dispatchers. Our first responders that do what they do everyday and make our life better and easier for their effort. I see you in the rain and the heat, fighting fires, keeping our streets and homes safe, patching us up when we fall and always answering the phone when we are in need. Everyone of you, from the first reassuring voice on the other end of the phone to the last tired first responder that drags himself or herself home at night, are the blanket that covers our community and keep us safe and warm. For your skill, dedication and willingness to serve, I am thankful.

I am thankful for our educators. Every citizen that has contributed to this community has walked through your doors. You do what you do without fanfare and your job encompasses so much more than just your subject matter. You feed your students, both figuratively and sometimes literally. You are a part of their life, today, tomorrow and always. It is a heavy load that you carry but you do it so well that we often forget your tremendous contribution. I truly believe that teaching is a calling more than a career choice. For answering that call to impart knowledge and wisdom, compassion and direction, I am thankful.

Sometimes I see so much of the uproar in the County that I forget exactly what it is that I love so much about JeffersonCounty. I love the sense of community. I love that we have a church on every corner and people still check on you when you pull over on the side of the road to be sure that you don’t need a ride. I love that I was able to raise my family in a community that truly invests in its children. We buy the Girl Scout cookies and go to the ball games and we circle around our children in times of need. We don’t always agree and that isn’t a bad thing. But we still pray and salute and know our neighbors. For all of this, I am thankful.

From our home to yours, I hope this Thanksgiving finds you healthy, happy and thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!

Source: K. Depew, News Director