I didn’t get to have a real Thanksgiving this year, but that doesn’t stop me from giving thanks. I gave thanks through a lot of opportunities already, but this is another way to do so. And I just love to write because why else would I be writing this much? Or publicly for that matter. This is what I’m grateful for.

My parents who have given me the world and the drive to be who I want to be. For making college a possibility and standing by me through the ups and downs, and times when I was losing hope. For laying roots down in the United States, in what I believe is the greatest country in the world so that I could have what I couldn’t in their home country.

My whole family for everything they’ve done for me, everything they do and are always one message or phone call away. When I feel I lost something, I know they’ll be there no matter what. I’ve got a big support system to lean on when I need it, and never be let down.

All my friends who stood by me, saw me change, become who I am and support me no matter what. Who always give me something to be excited for, lend a listening ear and learned me from the inside out.

To live in the United States and the have the freedoms other countries lack, because this is how I became who I am, and become who I’m going to be. I realize this isn’t something everyone sees very easily- other countries lack the freedoms we have and that can completely change who someone becomes.

All service members who have the courage to leave home, sign away their lives to fight for their country and protect everything we have. Who put their lives on the lines so we don’t have to. Who gave their lives- we must remember freedom isn’t free. They are the reason I get to say I’m an American, and I’m a very proud American.

Law enforcement officers who lose sleep so we can sleep safe. Who give up weekends to themselves, holidays with families, to protect their citizens. Who will fight for us when we’re scared, so we don’t have to. Who will always be one call away in a desperate time of need, put up with bad attitudes but don’t stop what they do.

Firefighters for running head first into danger, saving everything they can. Who go through extensive training to protect us, and still put their lives at great risk to do what they love. Who spend countless hours stopping wildfires from spreading, even when there doesn’t seem to be hope.

Healthcare professionals for going through years and years of rigorous schooling, to take care of their patients and keep them healthy. Ease the pain and suffering, helping to understand the problem. To stand by the families of everyone in a hard time.

All the heroes, a thank you is not enough for the sacrifices you make. But it’s the least we can do.

The struggles and pain I endured in multiple ways because that is what actually made me who I am and brought me to a good place in my life. No matter how hard they were, they taught me what I need to know, made me ready for anything and established the foundation of my strength.

There is so much else I’d like to say, but these are the ones I never point out and should a lot more. Hoping everyone had a delightful thanksgiving.