Children share their blessings
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on November 23, 2006 8:19 AM
Children say the darndest things. But on occasions like Thanksgiving, they can also provide poignant insights into what heartfelt gratitude means.
When asked "What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?" first-graders did not hesitate to share their own personal lists.
At Northeast Elementary, students in Jennifer Lancaster's class hardly missed a beat as they were interviewed while coloring pictures and cutting them out to create individual books about turkeys.
Natalie Pridgen said, "I'm thankful for my mom, my dad and my grandma."
Darilyn Lancaster was a little more practical.
"My bike," she said.
Hannah Carter said she was thankful for horses, her mom and daddy.
Zachary Huff was a little more inclusive.
"I'm thankful for the whole wide world and everybody," he said.
Gabby Acconcia mixed her blessings.
"God, my mom and dad, and colors," Gabby said.
Sidney Gray said, "My home."
"My family and the whole wide world" was Christina Wade's response.
Hallie Rouse loves her family, too, but she will be thankful for a few other things this holiday season.
"My church, my brother and my baby sister, my clothes and my bedroom," she said.
For Rylee Dawson, the choice was clear -- and simple.
"Mama," she said.
Brandon Doudney said he was simply grateful for Thanksgiving.
"Teachers, heart, God and our home" were on Tynerah Costes' list.
"I'm thankful for my mommy and my little sister and little brother," Kiosha Boyette said.
Joshua Ellis thought about his school.
"Thanksgiving, my teachers, art, my school."
Kalee Dawson's list was even longer.
"People, Thanksgiving, school, mom and daddy, pets," she said.
Isaiah Washington also had a world view of thankfulness.
"People and my family," he said.
Jessica Ruiz had a new member of the family to remember this year.
"I am thankful for my new puppy, Sydney, my mommy and my daddy," she said.
Animals also made Jackson Albright's list.
"My dog, Jack, the black cats under my back porch, the teachers, and my family," he said.
Several first-graders at School Street Elementary School were also given a chance to share what they were thankful for this season. Students in Stephanie Boykin and Angie Hobbs' classes had their answers ready.
Jashawn Faire made sure he was a little practical as well as thankful -- after all, Christmas is coming.
"I'm thankful for my mom, thanking her for buying me clothes, taking me places, taking me out to eat, and cooking for me," he said.
Daeshon Davis is glad he has a great dad this holiday season.
"My daddy is always taking me out to eat and to the movies and Chuck E. Cheese and McDonald's and bowling and skating rink and Toys R Us," he said.
Jai'Querra Kornegay took a more spiritual view.
"God 'cause He drew us and when you go to sleep, He holds on you tight. And God, He loves children," she said.
Alaysia Spain kept her blessings a little closer to home.
"I'm thankful for my family and I'm thankful for what they give me and I'm thankful for my mom because she takes me to get my nails done and she gets me toys," she said.
Jan'e Hilliard said she was thankful for her dad "because he takes me places fun like Chuck E. Cheese and takes me to get my nails done and he is nice to me and he is fun and I like him."