Blogs 12 Long Island: Giving Thanks

Here are the things I'm thankful for.

My family. They are the heart of my soul. My reason for doing everything. My children are wonderful proof that my life - though not perfect - is very well lived. And they're quite entertaining. In fact, the older my kids get (2 of them are now teenagers) the more entertaining they are. (Just don't tell them I said so - cause then HE'LL cut up even more in school!)

My brothers, their wives and children. They are soulful, full of character, and just naughty enough to be a lot of fun! Thanksgiving dinner with us lasts hours and ends up in belly-aches - not really from all the food - but from all the laughs!

Then there's what we call "the family we choose." Our childhood friends - and then the friends and neighbors we got when we bought our house 17 and a half years ago. They're an incredible bonus. I'm uniquely bonded to those Moms and Dads who've been there with me as we figured out how to pick pediatricians, the right diaper rash cream, how to parent, and how to coach. Next - how to pick the right college!

I'm thankful for my "church ladies" - my "Bible Babes" - those beautiful young women who have taken it upon themselves to save and feed my soul!

I have an extra prayer of thanks for our fellow Long Islanders who aren't here this year - but are celebrating Thanksgiving meals on military bases from Iraq and Afghanistan to Germany, Guam, South Korea and beyond. And for the families of those who are dealing with the loss of their soldier hero this year.

I'm thankful for a roof over my head, enough food to eat, and for the privilege of living on beautiful Long Island - where I am free and safe. With it's beaches and harbors and fishermen and neighbors and teachers and cops and nurses and doctors and the rest of you who care.

I'm thankful for this Island where I grew up in one of thousands of Levitt homes - a home where my parents and brothers and grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins crowded around a small table in a small kitchen - waiting for my mother to work magic out of her tiny GE oven. I'll tell you, that woman whipped up as grand a meal there - as we do in today's bigger and "better?" kitchens.

I'm so thankful for my News 12 family. We don't just work together. We have a great time off the air. We're a real team - especially my co-anchor. Most days I spend more waking hours with Elizabeth Hashagen than I do with my own husband! And I love the newest member of our team - her little Allison Rae!

And I'm thankful for you. And the privledge of telling your stories everyday. It is truly an honor. Thank you.