Thankful Thursdays

For a different twist this week, I asked what our kids are thankful for. Because the world’s on fire and we need perspective and a dose of hope. Here it is:

“I am thankful to be part of a supportive family that I know will have my back in whatever I do or where ever I go.”
     -Taylor Quintero, 18

“I am thankful for all the opportunities I have been given – great family, great school and a great team.”
     -Bailey Quintero, 16

“I am thankful for my health, my family, my friends and for the world I live in! I am lucky enough to say this! I have the best support system in all of these and I couldn’t thank god at a time like this for having all of them in my life and keeping everyone in my life healthy!”
     -Andrea Garcia, 27

“I am thankful for being able to move to a new city and have the opportunity to begin my new journey as a resident!”
     -Elen Volovich, 25

“I am thankful that Juanky and I were able to purchase our first home together.”
     -Vicky Rodriguez, 27

“I am thankful for some very important people in my life that have turned my life into a blessing: my boyfriend Tyler Farnstrom, my two best friends Suyeny Diaz and Lauren Christine Perez, and my Ohana (everyone who is part of our DisneyCrew) . I cannot imagine my life without any of them!” 
     -Charlenne Blanco, 26

“I am most thankful for my family and for friends who have become family. My grandparents were always like second parents to my brother and me. My mom and dad and I have grown so close as I’ve gotten older. My cousins are like my brothers and sisters. We are a very tight knit family, and I love that even though some of us are miles away, we still try to see each other every year and stay connected. 
My friends are also so important to me. To me, my friends are the family that I’ve chosen for myself. They’re the people I know I can go to for anything. I’ve been so blessed to have made friends from around the world, and I love that we always find time to see each other as well. I know that I can always count on them, even if the miles separate us ♥️”
     -Kristin Worsham, 29

“I am thankful for the people who choose to be my “family”. For those who choose to stay by my side through the ups and downs, the ones who accept me and the ones who Love me. Those are the people who keep me centered. I thank God every day for them.”
     -Lauren Ashley Campana, 24

“I am thankful for not having to set an alarm. Throughout this quarantine period, I no longer have the obligation to wake up early to ensure that I am showered and ready for school or work since all of my responsibilities have gone “remote”. Forgoing my old morning routine has allowed my body to naturally wake up on its own at the same time in the morning before starting my work. *Throws on NASA hat* Who needs pants anyways, right?”
     -Daniel Christian Perez, 24

“I am thankful for the hardships we go through. Without them we wouldn’t grow, and without growth we wouldn’t feel purpose. Purpose is all God wants for us, and I’m grateful that He keeps me going.”
     -Lauren Christine Perez, 28

“With everything going on in the world today, we start to see the little things that we have taken for granted. Reflecting on the past few months I have realized how thankful I am to have my family and friends in my life. We sometimes take for granted the people that God has put in our path, but in this time it has really taught me to appreciate these people. During this time of self isolation, I have grown existing friendships and have spent time with family members that I don’t always spend enough time with. I am thankful for these people and the time I’ve been able to spend with them.”
     -Cristy Lopez, 29

“I am thankful that Papa Dios made the Earth.”
     -Anastasia Simon, 5

“I am thankful for my health and my support system.”
     -Miled Finianos, 24

“Health, friends and family, education.”
     -Anel Velasquez, 19

“Health.”
     -Alia Velasquez, 15

“Family, food, dog.”
     -Ania Velasquez, 11

“Family, roof over my head, education.”
     -Aila Velasquez, 11

“My dogs. They make me smile.”
     -Gabriela Casariego, 26

“I’m thankful for my mom & cousin. My Disney Crew friends and my Orlando Family friends. For music. I’m thankful to be working during this time. And lastly, thankful to have found faith again. ♥️”
     -Suyeny Diaz, 27

“I am thankful for a world full of diversity in all aspects! Without diversity, the world would be boring. Every single person has different knowledge, culture, upbringing, and morals.
I am also thankful for the ability to learn and be open to all knowledge. It’s important to learn/view things from a different perspective. Knowledge is an ever-growing powerful tool.”   
     -Kevin Maestre, 28

“Although the world’s been crazy these days, I’m thankful for the ability to adapt quickly. I’m grateful to have a job that still continues to develop me even while working remotely and hasn’t missed a beat through it all.”
     -Samantha Mannion, 28

“In my 27 rotations around the sun, I have had so many things happen in my life that I have to be grateful for. But what I have been extremely grateful for is the lessons I’ve learned, the experiences that I have gone through, the laughs, the memories, my family and friends and their families that have become family. Life has been a rollercoaster full of ups and downs, twist and turns but it has always been something to be grateful for.”
     -Gabriel Rodriguez, 27

“I’m thankful for having had the opportunity to leave Cuba, where the Castro Regime has oppressed generations of families, to grow up in a country whose cornerstones are based on freedom, and the ability to pull yourself up by your boot straps and achieve the American dream.”
     -Julio Enrique Rodriguez, 29

“I’m thankful for my beautiful mother who constantly loves and cares for those around her and in difficult times always does her best to provide the most she can.”
     -Ciara Torres, 17

“Thankful for my family’s love and support, for my health and the education that has been provided to me.”
     -Andres Casariego, 23

“In the midst of a global pandemic and movement, it may be difficult trying to maintain a positive outlook on life and remain thankful for. Not for me. As I take a minute to sit on my stoop, and reflect on all that has happened not only during the past couple of months, but this first half of 2020, I can’t help but take a deep breath, then smile. I am so thankful that my closest family and friends are safe and well. I am thankful that in the midst of unemployment and uncertainty, every bill has been paid and every meal has been provided. I am thankful for everyone who has decided to stay at home to protect not only themselves but to protect strangers in their community from this pandemic. I am thankful to everyone who has joined me in taking a stand for equality and for justice. Amidst all the adversity, there has been a unified mentality throughout the world that I am thankful for and proud to be a part of. There is a lot of unknowns moving forward, a lot of adjustments not only for our country but for us as individuals, however I can’t help but be thankful for it all. I can be thankful because I know that God is in control of it all. He is omnipresent. Most importantly, his timing is perfect and because I believe in that with my whole heart, I am thankful.” 
     -Alena Ramos, 27

It’s our responsibility to teach our children about thankfulness and to appreciate what they have; even the little things. We want them to have grateful hearts no matter the circumstances. I know some days those lessons come more easily than others. But judging from the submissions above, they have certainly mastered the concept. We, too, learn from them.

Thank you all so much for sharing and making today’s Thankful Thursday post so very special. I am thankful for YOU!

Taylor and Bailey, Andrea, Elen, Vicky & Juanky, Charlenne, Kristin (and Ellie), Lauren Ashley, Daniel Christian, and Lauren Christine(and Beni). 

Cristy, Anastasia, Miled, Anel, Alia, Ania, and Aila, Gabriela, Suyeny, Kevin & Lauren, Samantha, and Gabriel.


Julio Enrique, Ciara, Andres, Alena, and the Disney Crew.

Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”
-A. Schwindt

“Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel.”
-A. Tan