Thankful thoughts from The Daniel Island News team
Tue, 11/24/2020 - 9:52am
admin
I am thankful for morning coffee and reflections. It is during this time of daily reflection and journaling that I write a “5 things thankful for today” list. I am not surprised by what consistently makes the grade. In addition to specific references to moments with family, friends and our dog, my list almost always includes appreciation for the helpful, talented and committed staff that works to bring you the news each week, the advertisers who fuel our work, and the community members who share their stories. Another gratitude that often makes it on the list — I’m thankful for writing in cursive — the smooth relaxing stroke helps the words and ideas flow.
Suzanne Detar
Publisher
While some might think it’s hard to find things to be thankful this year, the truth is there is plenty for us to be grateful for in 2020. I’m thankful that I now live close to my family members here on Daniel Island and we’ve been able to ride out the storms together – literally and figuratively. And I’m thankful for my colleagues at the DI News who have made what could have been a difficult transition a lot easier. You see, my first day of work as editor of The Daniel Island News was just two weeks before the COVID-19 shutdown. Since then, I’ve had to learn the ropes while working primarily remotely with a team I hadn’t had a chance to get to know. But they made me feel welcome and helped in ways too numerous to mention. My wish for 2021 is to get to meet the many, many DI News contributors in person for a proper “thank you.”
Boots Gifford
Editor
This year has been crazy for sure! I am thankful for family, friends, health, modern technology giving us the capability of not only hearing a voice but video to see faces, our new outdoor space which gives us the ability to spend a great amount of time outside enjoying the view and wildlife, and for our indoor gym. And I am thankful for our advertisers.
Ronda Schilling
Advertising Director
I am thankful for so many things – good physical and mental health, a loving husband and daughter, my parents living close by, some of the best friends a girl could ask for, a job I enjoy, and the right to live freely. 2020 has certainly brought some unwanted anxiousness, but I am thankful for my many blessings.
Katherine Smith
Operations
We can all attest to the fact that 2020 has been a different and challenging year. But for me, it has certainly illuminated some positives. As I prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, albeit in simpler fashion, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of appreciation for all of my many blessings -– the love of my family, and the many ways we are staying connected (our Zoom calls are always a source of great laughter and fun); quiet walks with my dog, Winnie; the beauty of the landscape that surrounds me; good friends who always bring a smile to my face; the opportunity to share the stories of my community through my work with The Daniel Island News; a faith that nourishes and restores; and so much more. Be blessed everyone — and Happy Thanksgiving!
Elizabeth Bush
Writer
What am I thankful for? Not only am I thankful for my family, my health and my friends, but each night, I thank God for the blessings of the day. Even on bad days when everything seems to go wrong, I remind myself of the simple blessings such as the warm sun on my face, the taste of warm, vegetable soup on a cool day, a colorful hummingbird at my feeder, a smile on my granddaughter’s face, etc. There is always something to be grateful for, even on bad days. We just have to remind ourselves daily.
Jan Marvin
Graphic Artist
As cliche as it may sound, I am thankful for my wonderful friends. We don’t have any relatives nearby, so having a group of supportive, caring, reliable and fun friends means the world to me and my family of four. I couldn’t have survived 2020 without their kindness and encouragement, and I’m excited for our annual Friendsgiving celebration!
I am also very thankful for Sue Detar, the owner and publisher of The Daniel Island News (and I’m not kissing up just because she’s my boss!) She truly cares about the community and for 17 years she has produced a paper committed to quality local journalism. She’s also funny and kind!
Pamela Brownstein
Graphic Artist
Especially during the pandemic, this California girl is thankful to be living in the South. From the cheap gas to the “Southern charm” of friends and neighbors, I feel fortunate to be part of this special community. I’m also grateful that my son will be able to head South and spend Thanksgiving here.
Marie Rocha-Tygh
Writer
I’m thankful for traditions! I love the delicious fried turkey that my father-in-law prepares for his family every Thanksgiving.
Elizabeth Horton
Writer
I am thankful for Daniel Island and its many gifts: gators and geckos, neighbors on porches, friends around fire pits, dogs on sidewalks, palm trees and shorebirds, children on playgrounds, kayakers in creeks, banners on lampposts, families in pools, marshes and tree frogs, fishermen on docks, sunshine in windows and warm welcoming faces.
Misty Jo Neilson
Writer
I am thankful for the health of my family – children, grandchildren, and husband. 2020 has been a challenge, but taught us many things that we needed to learn, and hope to remember.
Pamela Boynton
Food Columnist
I am thankful that we live in a place with so many close-by adventures. Day trips are the remedy for cabin fever.
Carol Antman
Travel Columnist
I am thankful for so many things, but of late I’m thinking most about the hundreds of thousands of people who work tirelessly each day to make our lives healthier, safer and easier. The long list begins with doctors, nurses and medical professionals who risk their lives daily to take care of us. But it extends far beyond, to utility workers who help us keep the lights on, and the water flowing. There are food manufacturers and transporters who somehow manage to deliver, within miles of our home, fresh food and supplies each day. It’s remarkable, and, in light of COVID-19, it’s somewhat miraculous. The list extends to all who protect us – policemen, firemen and food inspectors, to mention a few. Watching the system work seamlessly, day in and day out, is a lot to be thankful for.
Steve Ferber
Unconventional Wisdom Columnist
This year I am most thankful for my family and friends, some of whom I have seen much less of than I would like. And as we are trying to avoid too much human interaction, I am grateful to live in such a beautiful place, where wild creatures, woods, marshes and rivers still outnumber humans, office buildings, parking lots and highways. It’s pretty easy to just “get away.”
Frank Conway
Nature Notes Columnist
For this Thanksgiving, and every Thanksgiving, I am profoundly thankful for my health. My late father, also a physician, always said, “Without your health, you have nothing.”
Rebecca Bechhold
Book Review Columnist
I am so thankful for our new grandbaby — our sixth grandchild — Holland Brooks Bernie. My arms are aching to hold him.
Vicki Bernie
Second Act Columnist
We all have much to be thankful for. As for me, I am thankful for the 5 Fs. Faith. Family. Friends. Fishing. Fun. I endeavor to fill each day with all of these. When I do, it is an F-ing good day and that is something to be thankful for!
Capt. Greg Peralta
Fishing Notes Columnist
I’m super sad we are not getting together this year for the first time in 25 years but again very THANKFUL that we have such a great group and that it will hopefully just be a one year hiatus!
Heather MacQueen Jones
Art Columnist