‘Thank you America for accepting us’

Thank you America.

My husband, our oldest son -- at the time 6 weeks old -- and I arrived

in Norfolk, Va. in the sweltering heat of summer 1984 with three

suitcases from Germany. We were young, inexperienced but definitely

adventurous.

We planned to stay for one year. At the time we did not know a soul,

not to mention when it came to the tedious task of buying diapers, we did

not even know the American word for it and asked for “nappies” at the

drugstore. Very funny!

Thanks to a lot of wonderful people who took us greenhorns by the

hands and helped us along the way to establish a household of our own.

They gave us a crib, toys and often encouraging words when needed. The

famous Southern hospitality and the kindness of the American people made

us feel at home in a heartbeat. They took us in and treated us like their

own kin. We lived in this beautiful part of the country for 11 years.

Then my husband’s job transplanted us again, this time to Southern

California -- to the city of Costa Mesa, to be precise. Again we did not

know a soul. It is a very frightening and humbling experience to go

through.

But guess what? Again people took us into their lives and families

without any hesitation made us feel welcomed and appreciated. Their

willingness to help and support the foreign wanderers with the funny

accent was truly amazing.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to live in such a great country.

I am grateful for all our wonderful and loving friends. I am grateful for

two wonderful sons who make me proud. Our son, Peter, was born in Newport

News, Va. in September of 1986, our first generation American in the

family! Last, but not least, I am grateful to be married to the most

wonderful human being, who lets me grow and allows me to dream my dreams

and make them reality.

Thank you America for accepting us as we are. You are the greatest

country on earth and I promise I will work on this terrible ‘paper stuff’

to become one of you pretty soon.

MARION G. HARTWICH

Costa Mesa

I’m thankful this Thanksgiving that my mother still loves me. She has

Alzheimer’s.

CARY JANE MILLER

Corona del Mar

We are thankful to live in a country where even in our worst hours,

like the presidential election stalemate, we do not live in fear or

desperation. There are no riots, shootings, injuries, tanks in the

streets or attempted military coups.

We are thankful for the wisdom and vision of the Newport-Mesa voters

on Nov. 7. You don’t have to agree with all the ballot initiative and

proposition outcomes to understand that this was a time that the people

took back some control of their lives and property. Other results

suggested that on some issues it was prudent to call ‘time out’ and look

more closely at alternative solutions.

We are grateful the kids are coming home, for relatives from Ohio, and

old friends, schoolmates and teachers from the East visiting for a Martha

Mimi dinner.

I am grateful the Pilot editorial staff is now taking strong stands on

important local issues. We need the stimulation, meaningful discussion

and exchange of ideas for better community problem solving.

I am grateful the Lakers won again. Also that the Rams finally won,

even if I had to meet them in St Louis at the fair. You can’t get

everything you want exactly when and where you want it! In a final act of

holiday kindness, I am even glad the Raiders are also doing well.

Last of all, I am thankful that the press and media didn’t try to

switch and spin their tale by trying to tell us that Jan. 1, 2001 is the

real start of the new millennium.

Happy Holidays to all.

MICHAEL A. GLUECK

Newport Beach

I am always thankful for my beautiful daughters, Page and Megan, and

my wonderful husband, Mark, as well as the rest of my family.

As they say, “When God closes a door he opens a window.” Even though

Mark is home on disability with a back injury, I am lucky that my girls

get his nurturing, love and guidance while I have to go to work. I am

glad we did not have to take the girls to day care and they are enjoying

their dad.

LAURIE KEYS

Newport Beach

I am thankful for my 5-year-old grandson, Matthew Tweedie. He brings

me immense joy and keeps my mind and spirit young.

NANCY FROMMHOLZ

Costa Mesa

Yes, there are a lot in life to be thankful for! That’s my basic

attitude. But is it really so? In the same time I feel in me a deep

missing for my beloved husband -- the better part of me -- who passed

away nearly three years ago, after almost 50 years of being together.

After that my life seemed to end. But as you know, life goes on. His

love, his way to be, his ideas, his belief in me, his positive attitude

to life will remain in me for ever. All those wonderful memories, which

are combined with him, supply me with infinite gratitude.

Of course there are a lot of other things to be thankful for. I wish I

could thank my parents who, in spite of limited means, chose good schools

for me, brought me up, let me travel and go abroad, so I could get my

first experiences of the complexity, variety and richness of a

fascinating world.

I am also thankful for my family. I am very glad for my daughter and

grandchildren and that they are in good condition, going on with their

studies, even if they have not always done that. Whatever they have done,

it has been a part of that experiences of life we all have to get,

because no one - as we know - will go untried through life. In most cases

experiences - bad or good - will make you mature and give you

comprehension for other human beings.

I am thankful for being in good health myself. I am glad for having a

pleasing brother to visit here in your charming country.

ALICE FALLAI RASMUSSEN

Newport Beach

I’m thankful for a wonderful and loving daughter, Natalee, and a

supportive community that have helped me through the recent death of my

elder daughter, Misty. Let’s all cherish and bless our children.

LEE MALLORY

Newport Beach