A cornucopia of gratitude

I am thankful for my two wonderful daughters, Page and Megan, who

bring my husband and I joy each day. They are both kind and caring

children and fun to be with every day. I am thankful that my husband,

Mark, is able to stay home with them and care for them so they don’t

have to go to day care.

Mark is on disability with extreme back pain and degenerative

discs, and although it pains him just to get out of bed, he goes on

with his day the best he can for the girls. They are his life’s

motivation. I believe the girls benefit having Mark at home with

them, and it gives me peace of mind that since I have to work, they

are with him.

I am thankful for my extended family as well, my mom and Frank,

sister Krista and her husband, Dave, and my in-laws Virginia and Don

S.

LAURIE KEYS

Newport Beach

Adorable grandchildren, good health, fall color and the

anticipation of good things to come are some of the things I’m

thankful for this Thanksgiving season.

NANCEE L. WRIGHT

Corona del Mar

Aloha, I just recently had the chance to visit my brother Chris

Shewman and his wife, Lisa, for 17 days on Kauai. They saved for nine

months and made the move to their new condo. I am very thankful to

them for moving there. I am especially thankful to my neighbor, Doug,

for providing me with a ticket to get there.

Also, I am thankful for my family and friends for being so

supportive of me and helping my husband with any driving to and from

school. I am also thankful to Jami Paley for introducing me to “The

Purpose Driven Life,” which gave me confidence enough to make this

trip that I have dreamed of all my life!

DEBI DIFRANCESCO

Newport Beach

I am thankful for my family. My dad has a great sense of humor. My

mom makes me laugh when she gets mad. My brother wrestles with me. My

sister plays on the computer with me. And my other sister plays with

me. That’s all.

SHANNON GRIFFIN

Newport Beach

I want to be thankful for God. Because I love God. God loves us.

And I love Ashley, Kelly, Blair, Delaney and all my cousins.

LAUREN MARIE GRIFFIN

Newport Beach

I am thankful for my friends and family . They are really loving,

kind, and they help me and support me. When I need a hug, they give

it to me (especially my little sisters Shannon and Lauren). My

brother Ryan, tackles me but I know he still loves me. My friends

keep me entertained (which is a very good thing).

MEGAN GRIFFIN

Newport Beach

I am thankful for our new “lease on life” here at American Legion

Post 291. Thank you to the city of Newport Beach and thanks to all of

our members and friends who helped to make this new lease become a

reality.

CONNIE RAPP

Irvine

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Connie Rapp is a first vice commander of the

American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291.