Thankful For …

What are you thankful for?

That’s the question I posed recently.

“06880” readers responded. Family, friends, community, health — the emails came in.

When we all sit down today for Thanksgiving dinner, we’ll give thanks for many things. Among them:

I’m thankful for the 40 years I lived in Westport, and the connection that remains to this day because of “06880.” It’s very special. As the Eagles say: “You can check out any time you like. But you can never leave.” (And also thankful for the brilliant selection of songs in the daily Roundup.)  — Tom Feeley

I’m thankful for old friends — especially as the various health issues Debbie and I have dealt with have limited our in-person contacts with people — so we have far more interaction online or by phone. 

And I’m thankful to the town of Westport for creating the lovely picnic area by the Longshore Marina where, on a couple of occasions, we as out-of-towners have met other out-of-town friends (there is no parking fee!). Having worked summers at the tennis courts more than a half century ago, I can affirm that the creation of this picnic area is just one example of the variety of improvements at Longshore since we were growing up.— Fred Cantor

This holiday season, I am thankful that my cancer continues to be contained … yeah! Very thankful! — Sue Galati

Thankful for my childhood, and the memories of Thanksgiving on Green Acre Lane in the ’60s. — Mike Mills

Among the joys of Green Acre Lane: Haskins Preserve. (Photo/Wendy Cusick)

I am thankful for my church, St. Paul Lutheran. There, over the past 30 years, I have made lifelong friends who are loving and supportive of me and my family. We don’t agree on everything, but we love each other always. 

I am also thankful for all of the people at Maplewood Southport who have supported my mother and my family during this hard journey of dementia. At the top of my list is my beloved family: Pietro, Tomaso and Lucia. — Janine Scotti

So thankful to have wonderful children who have equally wonderful spouses, and expecting first grandchild in the new year. — Debbie Solomon

I’m thankful for health, my husband and children, a peaceful and safe community, and so thankful for the ability to do and appreciate the small things in life without taking anything for granted. — Stephanie Mastocciolo

It feels so counterintuitive to express thanks for a Facebook group, but Westport Gift Economy has brought new friends into my life. Who knew? Sure, I’ve been the lucky recipient of new furniture, small appliances, and even charming ceramics. And sure, I’ve felt great giving away my own items to people who will use and enjoy them. But the surprise — perhaps the more meaningful “gift” — has been the lasting friendships formed along the way. Kudos to the volunteers who administer the site, creating a truly supportive and fun Westport experience. — Kerstin Rao

I want to show my gratitude to Cia, Jersy and Hetty Marion. My husband, daughter and I moved to Westport from San Francisco about 6 months ago. The move was significant, and not just in mileage. The Marions (my in-laws) helped make the transition as smooth as possible. Cia and Jersy attended kindergarten orientation at Saugatuck as our proxies. All 3 ensured the house we were soon to occupy was cared for. They went so far as to set up a little card table in our home with placemats and flowers to welcome us upon our entry, while our furniture made its slow trek east. While I miss San Francisco, I feel so fortunate to have had a soft landing in Westport, thanks to the unconditional love and support of Cia, Jersy, and Hetty. — Jordan Paxhia Marion

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

I’m thankful that I have enough. Enough money that I don’t have to worry about the price of milk or groceries or gas. Enough to be able to buy extra turkeys for those who might not have them otherwise at Thanksgiving. — Leigh Gage

On behalf of my eternally sexy wife, Jo Ann Miller, we give thanks this year for our love, our good health, Spanky the Wonder Dog, and the ability to still laugh in the midst of turmoil and tragedy in the past 10 years of our lives.  And, of course, the Kansas City Chiefs.  For those of you who cannot be with family this Thanksgiving, please resist the urge to brag. — Scooter Swanson, III

This year I am thankful I do not have to cook dinner.  In the past, my extended family thought Thanksgiving was a commemoration of Pearl Harbor Day when I did cook. –– Jo Ann Miller

I‘m thankful that my parents, Ruth and Larry Sherman, chose to move to Westport in 1965. It is something that my entire family is grateful for every day. –– Suzanne Sherman Propp