Drawing: What are you thankful for this year?

bowl of cherries

Drawing's closed! Winner's been emailed!

Thanksgiving is this Thursday (you might have heard), so as is AOA tradition, we'd like to know:

What are you thankful for this year?

Please share in the comments -- it could be anything or anyone. The Editors will start things off after the jump.

And as part of our annual tradition, we will draw one person randomly from the comments and AOA will donate $100 to the charity of that person's choice. Last year Tess's comment was chosen and she picked Camp Little Notch for the donation.

Important: To be part of the drawing, you must submit your comment (that answers the question) by 11:59 pm on November 24, 2015. You must include a working email address (that you check regularly). The winner will be notified by noon on November 25 and must respond by noon on November 30. The choice of charity is totally subject to AOA approval. (For example, we're not going to give money to People Against Puppies.)

Mary:

We are living in very difficult times. Maybe all times are difficult, but lately I seem to be feeling the weight of the world's anger and prejudice more than I ever in my lifetime. I find myself clinging hard to the values of kindness and equality that I learned from my parents. My parents have been gone for years, but those values still comfort me and guide me in difficult situations and for that I am very grateful.
I am grateful for my beautiful niece Catherine Grace and my nephews, Thomas, Alex and Cogan for so many reasons, but mostly because I get to see my parents' kindness and humor reflected in them, and I know that through them, it will continue to light the world.
I am grateful to work in a field where I learn every day, and for a business partner who is awesome, and who is constantly pushing me to be better both personally and professionally.
I am grateful for really good hot chocolate to keep me going through the Northeast winters and for cocktails on a patio to help celebrate Northeast summers.
And mostly, I am grateful for my brilliant and amazing husband who loves me not in spite of, but because of the crazy -- and who understands why I need the big Christmas tree.

Greg:

I've been really lucky in life. I grew up in a home with people who loved me, supported me, and encouraged me. I got to go to good schools. I get to do an interesting job and work with a colleague who is both talented and a good person. I live in a nice place with friendly neighbors. I have plenty to eat. I'm married to an excellent person with whom I love to spend time. And we have a dog who makes people smile.
To have not just some of these things, but all of them, is like winning the life lottery. And I'm thankful for all of it.

Comments

My health, family, friends and a place to call home. It's the small things in life that we should be thankful for.

At the risk of sounding hokey, I'm thankful for all the gifts Albany has given to me. When I moved here in 1988, I knew no one who lived here. Less than 30 years later, I have the most remarkable network of friends, associates and peers who have supported each of my endeavors be they educational, artistic, personal or business related. I met and married the father of my sons here, have had the opportunity to own my own house and business and can say with confidence that not a single day goes by when I don't feel a Smalbany connection with someone I encounter as I run, walk or drive around my neighborhood. I love you, Albany!

My family. Period.

I am thankful for my friends, my family, my 2 dogs who love me unconditionally, and a work where I know I make a difference... Perhaps the thing I am most grateful for this year is that I have finally gotten over a great hurt - holding on to anger is like drinking poison...so here's to having my happiness back...

Four years ago, I almost lost my only child - she was three thousand miles away and suffered through a series of traumatic events that made her feel that the only solution was a final solution. Thankfully, her life was saved, and today she is four years past that horrible moment - her life is renewed and her future is bright. As much as I am happy and thankful for this, I also say a prayer for those who are not able to be with their families due to prejudice or ignorance or close-mindedness. Please don't ever let the past block a family reunion in the present, or else there will be regret in the future.

I am thankful for the artists and writers in the world that put into words what I cannot.

“later that night
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered
where does it hurt?

it answered
everywhere
everywhere
everywhere.”

- Warsan Shire

I'm always thankful for my family both young and not so young. They continually teach me lessons in listening, empathy and persistence.

I'm thankful for having good neighbors. We look out for each other.

I'm thankful for truly being a part of many different communities across the Capital Region. These are communities where people will stop at the drop of a hat to help you out, to shoot the breeze and/or have a beer, etc.

I guess you'd say that I'm thankful for the multi-layered relationships in my life. In the end that's what keeps you sane.

So much! Just this morning, I was delighting in the simplicity of the beautiful color of the yolks in my eggs, and just last night, THAT SUNSET! But more generally, the basics: health, family, security, love, talent, and just being born into the time, place, and family that I was.

I'm thankful for so many things. This year I will focus on being thankful for my health and my strong body. Having loving and supportive family and friends. Having a place to call home where I feel safe.

Our dog, Sadie, has been missing for 3 months. Though this has been an absolute nightmare for us we have been so incredibly blessed with people who want to help find her. These people are absolute strangers to us and have never met Sadie but have spent countless hours helping, trapsing through the woods, releasing skunks in our traps, hanging signs, etc. Even if we have the worst outcome, I am so thankful for these people who have restored my faith in humanity.

I am thankful for the impending graduation that a brief stint of good health has allowed me to finally attain. I am thankful to live in a city with a vibrant intellectual life, where I feel like I always have somewhere to go where people are thinking. I am thankful to not want for the basic necessities of life, and to finally feel surrounded by good people.

My family. I'm not the easiest person to live with, but my husband and kids keep me around so I guess they kinda love me too. :)

I so am thankful that the most important person in my life is still here in this world, despite scary moments where I thought she would be lost. I hope she finds the strength she needs to continue going for so many, many, many years to come, because she is so needed and so loved. I hope she feels thankful this year, too.

family, friends, health, and everyday an acknowledgement that love advances little by little in all things

I am thankful for my human boy and canine girl, who are really the only two things I ever need and are the most loyal sidekicks I could ask for.

I'm thankful for having the support of my family, we don't always agree, but that's ok...

I'm thankful for having the same best friend for over 30 years...we've been through a lot together, good/bad, and would not trade a second of it.

I'm thankful for all the independent stores shops and restaurants in the area. I will continue to patronize you as much as possible for the years to come (special shout out to Excellent Adventures, Roma Imports- Latham, The Ruck, The Tugboat Tavern, Ala Shanghai, Buffalo Wagon, and Otis & Olivers).

I am thankful for friends, family, my 2 dogs, and that I finally found my independence this year, and can say with 100% sincerity that I stand on my own two feet feeling confident and strong in who I am, what I am, and where I am going.

I'm thankful for my health, friends, and family.

Less important, but I'm also very thankful for the Thai BBQ Salmon at the New World Bistro Bar!

I'm thankful for my family and pets

I am so grateful that with the help of a loan given by The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region (and some terrific contributions from many other places and people, including last years winnings from this contest) Camp Little Notch is now owned by the non-profit Friends of Camp Little Notch and no longer in danger of being sold off.

The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region? They are AWESOME! If by some freakish chance I win again this year, the donation goes to them.

My family and friends- far and near

I am lucky enough to be thankful for many things in life. Most importantly, though, I am thankful for my health. I have seen the effects of cancer in recent co-workers and understand how all-consuming that can be. My day-to-day annoyances seem so trivial.

My daughter. She is the one person who I can count on to make me smile, laugh, feel young, and feel alive every single day.

I am thankful for the safe community that we live in. Every day we see the harsh reality of terrorism and hate across the world. It breaks my heart to see pictures of refugees and children displaced. The fact that we can hop in our car and safely drive to work, stores, family, recreation, etc. is a blessing.

the love and generosity of my family and friends.

Well I'm trying to be festive and keep my spirits my only son has passed this will be the 3rd thanksgiving with out him .I miss him so much.Although I still have a small group of family I am thankful to have them especially my twin sister
I don't know what Id do with out her .Happy Safe Thanksgiving everyone.

My wonderful wife has MS. I am thankful that since her diagnosis three years ago although she is struggling her symptoms have remained consistent. If I win I will donate to the National MS Society.

I am thankful for all the people I have met in my life, good or bad they have all made me the person I am today.

I am thankful for the health and safety of my family and friends and I am also thankful for my home. It is a nice place to come to after a long day at work, oh and I am thankful for my job too !!

Thankful for a house with heat, something to eat, healthy kids and wife, and a wonderful life.

I am so thankful that a gamble of a move to Troy from South Carolina has turned out so well for my husband and I. Two-and-a-half years later, we've happily settled into our jobs, rescued a new-old house in Lansingburgh, are slowly finding local niches and groups, and have only scratched the surface of things to do and explore in the Capital region, let alone in the Adirondacks and Catskills. Of all places we could call home, we're happy that this one found us!

I am thankful for the Capital Region community, friends, family, and Albany All Stars Roller Derby.

I'm thankful for how great a place the capital region is to live

Grateful for the freedom of speech and press which invites words of truth and gratitude. Grateful for God's blessings, each and ever day (minute.)

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