Giving Thanks in Orange County
We asked our readers to tell us what they’re most thankful for this year. Here are their responses.
“I am most thankful this year that at my daughter and son-in-law’s wedding, much to our surprise, they had my wife and I dance the first dance (‘Always and Forever’). We did not have this opportunity 35 years ago when we got married. It was wonderful.” - Paul Eversley, Goshen
“I am thankful that my brother Chuck now lives only 10 minutes away from me for the first time in 45 years. I’ve missed him and it’s great to have him back!” - Paul Bryan, Warwick
“Everyday I feel thankful and blessed for the family and friends I share with John and Maximus. Life can be fun and it can be challenging, there are ups and downs, but memories made through all the years are always cherished. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!” - Melanie Mattera, Warwick
“I am so thankful that my husband and best friend Joe survived a heart attack in March and the procedures that followed to help open his major arteries. I don’t know what I would do without him. He is my heart. I am also grateful for my wonderful son, Will, who is an incredible person who has taught me so much. He has often said where there is a Will, there is a way and he has proven it to me. I am truly blessed for every day I have with them. I am also grateful for my students who continued to study music with me online during the COVID quarantines, and for my wonderful next door neighbors who shopped for us before the safety measures were put in place and the vaccines became available, even though they have small children to care for.” - Vicki Botta, Goshen
“I am so thankful for my family. I’m especially thankful that my two daughters are kind and respectful of others.” - Anna Mahmood, Chester
“I am most thankful for family, friends and good health. It is so nice to see things becoming more normal again. It is the little things in life that mean the most. Enjoy them and be thankful for them every day!” - Barbara Fuller, Warwick
“It’s been an extremely tough year for me and my family. With all that being said, I’m very grateful for the love of my family and friends. I am thankful for my grandson Declan and my new grand baby on the way. But most of all I am thankful for every breath I take each and every day.” - Arlene Jenkins, New Windsor
“My wonderful wife Jean who I’ve been married to for 32 years, and our two amazing daughters Meghan and Lianna.” - Warren Booth, Chester
“My sons and families are safe and progressing forward with this new world we are living.” - Sue O’Brien, Florida
“First, I am thankful for faith, which has always gotten me through rough times. Next, without doubt, I am thankful for my family without whom my life would be empty. I can’t leave out my friends (living and deceased) who do and have brought joy and laughter to my life (includes, since COVID, social media friends who have given me laughter and fun). Lastly, my daily life would have a hole if it weren’t for my church community and building. It is there where I get refreshed and Father Jack, my pastor, allows me to pray in the manner that best suits me. I am thankful for Father Jack’s priesthood and dedication to St. Stephen’s Parish.” - Peggy Cirillo, Warwick
“I am especially thankful this year because it falls on my daughter’s birthday. Happy birthday Yessury. I’m blessed with good health, retirement and my amazing family’s bond, that grows stronger every day. Thankful to be able to hug them and see them through all the things going on in the world. I have been writing poems about life and am so blessed to have made a change in stranger’s lives on Nextdoor site, who are becoming family. Peace, love and prosperity to all on Thanksgiving and the holidays ahead.” - Nancy Quinones, Chester
“Park Manor in Middletown has taken care of me for a majority of the past year. Although the facility has been in quarantine, the staff have done their best to make us feel as if we are family so we didn’t miss having visitors. From Claudette who does my laundry, Betty who cleans my room, Yuki who serves our meals to all the nurses (Travis, Stephanie, Candice among others), the aides (Pat and Maryann), the physical therapists (Joselyn, Catelin among others) I am thankful that they have always made me feel that I am important and not alone during Covid. I can never say how thankful I am for all the staff that take care of me everyday.” - Shelagh Merrill, Goshen