ANDERSON — Each year, we in America celebrate Thanksgiving, which has been truncated over the decades to “Turkey Day,” revealing the true meaning it holds for many — a day to eat.
Yet right there in the name is the reason for the holiday, and The Herald Bulletin asked several Andersonians of note to offer their own bits of gratitude before Turkey Day 2009.
“I am thankful for a country that thinks it is important to slow things down just to be grateful and to say so to all those we love most and sometimes thank the least,” said gospel music legend Gloria Gaither by e-mail while traveling. “It is important to remember together the original first Thanksgiving and what a contrast their austere conditions were to the bounty most of us will be sharing.”
Melinda Cottrell, who with husband Jeff opened the Cottrell Christian Academy in August, said by e-mail that she was “thankful because God has given me my strength and health and the enthusiasm to accomplish all endeavors in His marvelous light that He has created for me.”
James Edwards, president of Anderson University, said that he was “truly, truly thankful for the connectedness of our family, and the opportunity to live in joy and a fair amount of peace, and a sense of mutual love and commitment that spans these 3,000 miles we live apart.”
For Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon, the sentiment was similar.
“I am thankful for my family, my wife, Ann, and my daughter Amanda, as well as the wonderful positive spirit that has developed in our community.”
Nancy L. Wood, executive director of the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, admitted that she was grateful for “work that challenges me to do my best; for family and amazing friends who challenge me to be my best; and for an awesome God, whose challenges me to find my best, but whose love for me never changes, regardless.”
Jay Ricker, owner of Ricker Oil Co., has extra reason to be thankful this year.
“I am most thankful for my family,” he said. “They all live nearby and are healthy.”
Deborah Stapleton, executive director of the Anderson Center for the Arts, said she felt grateful that “in these economic times, with everyone working together and taking pay cuts, all my staff have been able to keep their jobs.”
And Scott Richards, executive director of The Christian Center in Anderson, added that, in addition to thanks for his ministry at the center and his wife, Amy, and their children, Emily, Ben, and Jack, he was thankful to others he doesn’t even know.
“I would like to offer a special mention of thankfulness to all the men and women who have served our country and have sacrificed to help make all my blessings that much more likely and even possible. To the men and women of all our armed forces, past and present, I am thankful for your sacrifices.”
Contact Rodney Richey, 640-4861, rodney.richey@herald
bulletin.com.
Community
Remembering there's 'thanks' in Turkey Day
Before the big dinner, Andersonians of note share their bits of gratitude
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