The conversations most adults have had the last few months have been exhausting, and nothing they might say about Thanksgiving seems promising.
The holiday’s meaning for grown-ups? Maybe family time. Certainly, turkey and stuffing and pumpkin pie. Probably a little football on television and a nap.
Inspiring? No.
So let’s listen to the voices of another demographic – children.
About a month ago, we asked school districts in Puyallup, Tacoma and Gig Harbor to have students in a second-grade class answer this: Why I’m thankful to live in America.
Tacoma and Puyallup delivered enthusiastically. Gig Harbor asked for volunteers – and wound up with nine classes, including a third-grade group from Purdy Elementary.
Read what they have to say, and if these earnest kids don’t inspire you – or make you smile – you may not deserve that second piece of pie.
Tina Jacobsen’s class, Harbor Heights Elementary, Gig Harbor:
“We get to go anywhere we want … like Hawaii or Disneyworld. We can say what we believe in, like devil and heven and god and geeses. I am very grateful that we get to have clothes.” – Breanna
“We can say what we believe. We can play what we want to play. I love being a kid in America.” – Gracie
“You can do anyting you want. Nobody can tell you what to do except your mom.” – Ryan
Peggy Rubin’s class, Harbor Heights:
“I am thankful for ... family, friends, dogs cats, kittins and poppies.” – Amanda
“People can have dreams come true. And when I am a grone up I can be whatever I want.” – Mara
“I love that we have such nice people because we have such great souls and harts.” – Lexi Burkhardt
Elissa Dornan’s class, Edgerton Elementary, Puyallup:
“I am thankful to be living in this great country called America because we have had and have so many heros out there right now fighting for us. they just will keep fighting until the ware is over. Now, if you are generous please repeat the pledge of allegience.” – Hayden
“I’m happy that I’m living in a country that is safe and can’t do a lot of harm to kids, parents and babies.” – Lindsey
DeeDee Arena’s third-grade class, Purdy Elementary:
“I’m thankful for the life I live. I love my chickens, goats, bunnys, my dog and cat. I’m glad that I get a two-day weekend!” – Amanda Clough
“I am always thankful that nice people live here. I’m so glad that the Pilgrims discovered America.” – Clarissa Sardinia
LaShelle Dralle’s class, McCarver Elementary, Tacoma:
“I’m thankful for the healthy foods that makes you strong so you can grow up and grow giant muscles.” – King Zion Ellick
“What I am most thankful for living in America is the community and every job in the community. even policeman even mowntain climbers.” – Georgia.
Kim Hollar’s class, Harbor Heights:
“I am happy that God made me live in America. Look at all you wonderful people out there you all help this world be a happy country.” – Katie Tallman
“I am so grateful that in Washington we don’t have hurricanes, tornados, sunumes and bombs.” – Halle Marie Sundell
“I am glad to be born here in America where you can eat and do anything. All you need to have to be a good American is HONESTY!” – Claire Elizabeth Ryan
Katie Cohn’s class, Harbor Heights:
“I am grateful for school, shelter, food and peace. I am thankful for god. I am grateful for love. I am proud of our equality.” – Hayden
“My dad’s dad was in the army. I want to be in the army but I can’t because my mom said I would die.” – Sam
Debbie Mahaffie’s class, Artondale Elementary:
“I am grateful for hospitals because if something feels wrong and you don’t know what it is, they can tell you.” – Paige
“I am grateful for beds in America because if we did not have anuf beds some people wod have to sleep on the flor.” – Natalee
“I like my mom because she takes me to school. Sometime my dad takes me to school. I like it. Then my grandma takes me to school a little bit. I really like the world.” – Nicolas
“I’m grateful for chairs because when your legs hurt it feels like they no longer hold you up any more. So that’s why we need chairs.” – William
Tonia Siva’s class, Harbor Heights:
“...we have a fireplace in my big warm house, warm blankets to sleep with and storys to read every day.” – Mackenzie
“We are pretty lucky. We have great medics and nurses.” – Emily
Ann Stroud’s class, Artondale:
“I’m grateful because God gave me my mom and dad ... and our pets.” – Anneliesa
“If we did not have a presedint then everyone would go crazy and do what ever they want.” - Miia
Sheila Jangaard’s class, Artondale:
“I am grateful to be an American because I can have as many brothers and sisters as I want. In some countries you can only have one kid.” – Evelyn
“I am thankful that I don’t have to work. Other kids in other countries have to work in big factories, stores and even advertize on the side of the street. My only job is to go to school. I am LUCKY to be an American. You should be thankful, too.” – Faith S.
Larry LaRue: 253-597-8638
larry.larue@thenewstribune.com
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