Despite the woes ...

Another year without my son and daughter. This time only one is deployed. I give thanks that they both survived Iraq. I give thanks for every day that I live, for tomorrow may be the day my disease takes over and I will be no more. I give thanks for having my 80-year-old mom to share, laugh and spend precious time with. I give thanks for having a man who loves me unconditionally, despite my faults and what lies ahead. I give thanks for the grandson who will be born in a few weeks. I give thanks for being born in the United States of America — I am most thankful for freedom and the love of God. Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Never forgotten

I will always remember this year's Thanksgiving — it marks the year I came back "well and alive" since '01. I am no longer bedridden or wheeled in a wheelchair. I can eat and chew solid food. I can almost do everything on my own. I am so thankful to all the wonderful people who have helped me to get well and survive three years of being an invalid. There are way too many to list individually, but they will never be forgotten. Their kindness, support, prayers and utmost tender loving care are enormously appreciated. For their efforts, this Thanksgiving will be truly a holiday of giving thanks and being thankful.

Proud of our military

You asked your readers what they have to be thankful for. In the past, I have said, "Be thankful you're not the turkey," but since American servicemen and women have been deployed to Iraq, my whole position on life has changed. I realize how thankful I am to be an American. I know this may sound trite, but it means the world to me.

I don't know many people in the service, but I'm so proud of them for putting each one of us first in their lives. This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for the amazing men and women in the armed forces who fight for us all so we can be free.

Only remembered

I am thankful for the memories of a wonderful person, Mortimer Richard Feldman. He was a very close friend of my family. Often we enjoyed eating together at the Pineapple Room. The food he enjoyed the most was ice cream, and when I eat ice cream now, I think of him. Mr. Feldman died from multiple myeloma on Nov. 8. He will never be forgotten, only remembered in my heart. This Thanksgiving I will miss him, but I am thankful for the memories.

A life not taken

What happened this past year for which I am thankful was a gift of life — the recovery of my daughter-in-law, Jasmine, from a life-threatening illness. Despite our family's ups and downs during the course of her illness, we never gave up and kept our hopes high. Then in August, her doctor pronounced her free of the disease. What tears of joy and relief! The coming holidays will be the best ever. May we all have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

One day at a time

During this Thanksgiving season, I thank the Lord for giving me a second chance in life. I had a heart attack, which resulted in bypass surgery. Now I do not take my life for granted, but I live it one day at a time. Also, every day I thank the good Lord for giving me the second chance, so it's my thanks-living that I enjoy every day.

Bless our military

Serving in the military takes courage and sacrifice, a job most people don't want to do. These people risk their lives for people like you and me. It is the reason we in America have freedom. We need to show more support for our troops in everything they do. The war in Iraq makes me realize my blessings in life. Among these are loving parents, a good education, a nice home, plenty of food and a God who watches over us.

My second chance

This Thanksgiving I am thankful to the Lord for my life, but more importantly, for bringing my wife, Carolyn Moss Frank, into my life. I know she loves me unconditionally, imperfect as I am. And yes, I love her with all my heart. She's the best thing that ever happened to me. I have a fantastic life to be grateful for, but it has not always been that way. In 1977-78, I spent 15 months at Straub and Rehab. I lost my hearing and was paralyzed, except for my neck. Twice my family was called to Straub because the doctors didn't expect me to live, but I did. So today I do have a lot to thank the good Lord for. Thank you, Jesus, for my second chance on life and for my beautiful wife.

Final days of peace

My family gives thanks to the nursing staff at St. Francis Hospice Nu'uanu. Because of their loving care and commitment to the terminally ill, the final days of my brother, Sanford, were days of peace and comfort. They allowed our family to show up at all hours of the day, sometimes en masse, as they truly understood the need for family and friends to support the loved one, and, in turn, be supported by the loved one toward the end of life. Mahalo nui loa, St. Francis Hospice. A hui hou, Sanford.

Blessed to be on Kaua'i

We're celebrating this week! We moved to Kaua'i a year ago. "There shall be showers of blessing" (Ezekiel 34:26): How true — figuratively and literally. The beauty of the Islands, the kindness, generosity and inclusiveness of the people, the endless opportunities for discovery, the rich culture, ever the crowing of the jungle fowl and roosters (we came from a farm)!

Joy in a new life

We are thankful for the birth of our first grandchild, Elijah, 10 months ago. This tiny person lights up our family with his smile, cooing and curiosity. It is easy to forget our daily hassles and worries because every day with Elijah is a day to cherish and count our blessings.

Proud to be American

I am thankful to live in America, a land of hope and freedom, and a country where new beginnings are always possible. The United States of America is a country of opportunity — good schools, interesting jobs, clean water and food to eat. America also has a great military that keeps us safe and free. Its men and women are well trained and risk their lives so people can live in peace and without fear of enemies. Finally, I am thankful that my country welcomes immigrants from all over the world so they can experience many of the privileges we all have. This Thanksgiving, I am proud to be an American!

Now it's my holiday

In the past, I never felt that Thanksgiving was my holiday. This is because I moved to Hawai'i from the Philippines and didn't like it very much due to all the changes. However, this past year I have grown to love it here. I constantly learn new things and meet new people who make my life special. So, for the first time, this year's Thanksgiving truly belongs to me.

A magnificent power

Gratitude has a magnificent power and displays it best when experienced in challenging situations. 2004 represents one of those times when confinement from health changes requires a new life direction. As a reading specialist, my career always kept me very busy. Now, I find time for meditation. Unable to drive, I take the bus and talk to strangers, enjoying tiny glimpses into their lives instead of frustrating moments in traffic. I tutor in my condo, providing a warm environment for hurt children. Thanksgiving is more than one holiday — it is gratitude for every day filled with purpose!

Lives filled with love

We are thankful for our parents, David and Evelyn, who filled our lives with love, laughter, a good education and a devout faith in God. For 62 years they were best friends, lovers and companions. We are thankful to our mom, who tirelessly cared for dad until his passing. She filled his every day with love and tenderness, and she continues to fill ours. Thank you, Mom; we love you. Happy Thanksgiving.

A time to remember our Aloha State bounty

As governor of the state of Hawai'i, I would like to wish all our residents and visitors a very Happy Thanksgiving. During this special time of the year, let us pause to reflect on how much we have to be thankful for in the Aloha State.

The natural beauty of Hawai'i is unparalleled, our quality of life is the best we have experienced in years and our people are blessed with a gracious and loving spirit that adds greatly to the soul of our island home.

It is my hope that you are able to join with family and friends in celebrating the holiday season. Of course, many people will be far away from their families. This includes Hawai'i's men and women in uniform who are fighting for freedom and democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan. Please join me in keeping our troops and their families in your thoughts and prayers, and thanking them for their many sacrifices.

Let us also remember the less fortunate among us and lend a helping hand — not just today, but throughout the year.

Aloha e malama pono!

Gov. Linda Lingle

A precious gift of life

Norm Levey and Joyce Cassen Levey sit on one of son Daniel's favorite spots above Kamehame Ridge. Advertiser library photo • Sept. 14, 2003

Thanks, Mom

As the woman who brought me into this world and who has taken care of me ever since, you've taught me the value of family in so many ways. This year has been hectic with all the new emotions passing through our lives, and yet you always managed to keep me in your dreams and in your heart. There are no words to express how ecstatic I am to have you as my mother. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the most fantasmic person I've ever met, my mom.

Home from the war

One of the greatest gifts you can receive is the love of a family member. This year, I have this gift to be truly thankful for: A few days ago, my dad returned home from the war overseas. After many months of waiting, wondering and worrying — many months of missed birthdays, sports events, celebrations and countless memories — he came home. Never in my life was I more ecstatic than in those first moments when I saw him. I gave my dad a long-awaited "I love you" hug, which he happily returned. This Thanksgiving is very special for my family.

Strength of family

This thank-you goes out to all spouses of deployed troops, especially to my daughter-in-law, Kristi Lokelani Shea Carvalho. I am thankful for her prayers, loyalty and love she has for my son in Iraq, for her understanding, kindness and patience with my two granddaughters, for her ability to gather the power to take care of finances, food and family needs on a daily basis, and most of all for the strength she shows daily by holding her family together as well as lifting me up through these times. Her strength has shown in all of us. I love you, Kristi, and thank you.

A lot to be thankful for

I am thankful that my dad is at peace after a long-term illness and suffering. I am thankful that my son has found Jesus Christ in a wonderful church that opens its doors to all. I am thankful that my children and grandchildren enjoy good health, a roof over their heads, enough food to eat, and have built solid foundations for their futures. I am thankful that we have the means to retire soon and follow our dreams. I am most thankful that God has allowed our son-in-law to survive a malignant tumor in his brain in spite of being given only six months to live. May everyone be as fortunate as I am!

Help from far away

I am particularly thankful this Thanksgiving for my mother, who is stationed in Afghanistan. Even though she's far away, she still supports me with her words over the telephone. I'm also very grateful for the past two weeks when she was home for R&R. Although she had to return to the Middle East, her spirit is still with us.

Sno-birds' welcome

Psalm 100 tells us to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord." We do have so much to be grateful for — and we are! Each year when we return to Hawai'i from the Mainland, as "sno-birds" from Washington state, we are welcomed with such aloha and friendship. We are very grateful to be able to call both Hawai'i and Washington home.

Lifeline extended

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for the gift of life given my husband on Nov. 15. Dr. Mark McKenney of Kaiser Medical Center removed a cancerous tonsil and neck tumor. I'm thankful for all those who work in health services, and for all the many people who were praying for my husband and the entire surgical team. Since I am in a wheelchair due to post-polio syndrome, my husband is truly my lifeline. I am also thankful for the many lives we have been able to enrich through the Hawaii Post Polio Network.

Help was there

On Oct. 8, my cousin fell on Richards Street, across from the YWCA, hitting her head and bleeding profusely. I stopped traffic and as I turned around, there were six to seven people there helping us. One woman, Elizabeth Kent, gave me her card and said if we needed anything, to call her. We took off in an ambulance and I never got anyone else's name. Meantime, due to Elizabeth, I got two more names. They were Juanita Cabral and Rodney Silva. I am sending them a personal thank-you. It is the other people whom I wish to thank here. All these Hawai'i residents were so wonderful. My cousin is fine now and I am back home, 5,000 miles away. I will never forget their help and understanding.

Grandfather made it

I am very thankful that on this Thanksgiving Day, I will be able to visit my grandfather at The Queen's Medical Center. A few days ago, he had cancer surgery, and we all prayed he'd have the strength to make it through it. Happily he did and is holding up very well.

Back in business

In October, I had a total knee replacement at Kaiser hospital, and I am much better for it, thanks to good medical and nursing care. Afterward, I was fortunate to have the service of the city Handi-Van and Meals-on-Wheels from the Lanakila Center. What got me back on my feet was the great Kaiser Physical Therapy Department on Pensacola, and I am very thankful.

Family is vital for soul

I am truly blessed and thankful for having the opportunity to see my cousins at our Kimura family reunion this past August. I have not seen any of my relatives for over 25 years. Feeling tired and burned out from work and everyday life challenges, getting together with people who love you unconditionally was just the medicine I needed. Feeling cherished and loved made me realize how important and vital family is for your soul and well-being. You can be sure I will not waste another 25 years for our next family get-together.

Middle East looms

This year, I am especially thankful for my family. My mother is a member of the U.S. Army Reserves and may soon be deployed to the Middle East. I am so happy that she is home for Thanksgiving. I understand that her being with us may change at any time and I am very proud that she is willing to risk her life for the country she loves.

Twice blessed

I am thankful for Christmas 2003. I was able to spend time with Grandpa Raymond Dacoscos singing Christmas carols as he did what he loved doing: playing the piano and sharing his music. He passed away on Jan. 2 at the age of 87. I am thankful for The Queen's Medical Center and St. Francis Hospice. I was able to spend time with Grandpa Leoncio Gamiao to let him know that I loved and cared about him just as much as he did our family. He passed away on Nov. 11 at the age of 98.

Working so hard

My mother was my transportation everywhere I went, but that changed when she started working full time. As I now walk home every day, I realize the hardship both my parents go through to pay my school tuition, feed me and make all the payments they have at the end of the month. As I celebrate this Thanksgiving with my family and friends, I would especially like to thank my mother for working so hard for my happiness. Thanks, Mom. I love you.

Those two little words

When I read the Nov. 16 About Women column by Lynda Arakawa ("Two little words, big results"), I was very touched. My husband Robert and I are 93 years old, married for 66 years, and have five children. I say thank-you many times a day to Robert for making breakfast, washing the dishes every day and helping when I can't do things that require strength or reach. Every day I'm thankful he built me three houses from scratch and we were able to educate all five children, sending them to schools they chose that challenged them. Now we are retired for more than 20 years, enjoying our memories.

Together once more

When my family moved to Hawai'i when I was 8, my father had to stay behind in Samoa in order to make money for us. For the last eight years, I have seen him for only a couple of weeks a year. However, this year, my father moved here permanently. For the first time in eight years, we will celebrate Thanksgiving together, as well as all the Thanksgivings to come. For this, I am so thankful!

Cruising the Islands

I am thankful for my mom and my husband. This last year my mom, who is 94, moved to Hawai'i to be close to me so we could have some fun, quality time together — and we have. My wonderful husband surprised us with the gift of a cruise around the Islands. Then, later on in the year, he took me on a cruise — just the two of us. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Alive and healthy

I'm thankful to be alive each morning I wake up, for one thing, and I thank the Lord in each morning's prayer. I'm thankful to have celebrated the first-year anniversary of getting back to work after having both of my knees completely replaced. Get on your knees — even if it hurts — and thank the Lord for just being alive and healthy.

A bundle of joy

My wife, Marni, and I were trying to conceive for the last year and a half. Our prayers were finally answered. On April 24, after nine months of happiness and excitement, my best friend gave birth to our beautiful and healthy daughter, Kylie. Besides my wedding, this was one of the most joyful days of my life. After seeing Kylie for the first time, I was so overwhelmed with pure happiness that I broke down and cried. I immediately said a prayer of thanksgiving to God for blessing us with our precious daughter.

Memory for the ages

Clifford Wong received his high school diploma during an assembly at Maryknoll School on Nov. 17. He was one of three Maryknoll students drafted in 1945 and did not get to graduate with the Class of 1946. Phillip Mow and Queenie Chee, at right, accepted a diploma for their late father, Frank Mow. Advertiser library photo

• Maryknoll High School honored its Class of '46 veterans with diplomas, and I was one of the recipients.

• The Maryknoll staff, alumni officers and grade school students presented me with pomp and pleasantries at their special assembly. This beautiful action really touched my heart, for which I will be forever thankful.

• My classmates and comrades were present to help me celebrate.

To all, mahalo!

An ode to my Grandpa

(My grandfather passed away recently. I am thankful for the time I spent with him.)

Because ... of his smile
He understood me just by looking into my eyes
He finished my sentences and knew what I liked
He knew me better than I knew myself
With him I wasn't afraid to be myself
I could always go to him when I had problems
Everything we did together became a memory
We didn't need to do something fun ...
Fun just happened
I didn't need to explain anything; he just knew
He always told me the truth no matter how much I would rather not hear it
He would do anything for me
He made me laugh harder than anyone
I trusted him with all my heart
He believed in my dreams no matter how silly they may have seemed
He dried my tears when I was sad
I felt like a princess when I was with him
Because ... he loved me for who I really was