Thanks

Lake Countians count their blessings on Thanksgiving and beyond. 

Story: Theresa Campbell 

Thanksgiving is a busy time for travel and the only time some families see each other all year long. They reconnect over turkey and all the trimmings, football games and shopping excursions.

But wait.

Thanksgiving isn’t about fussing over cooking a perfect bird or concerns about eating too much pumpkin pie or worries about family drama or how the little kids are going to behave. (Besides, those crazy, unplanned moments will make great “remember when” conversations and laughter in the years to come.) 

The real importance of Thanksgiving is taking time to reflect and express gratitude—quietly or aloud—for special blessings and family members and friends who have enriched your life. 

Healthy Living asked residents throughout Lake County what they are most thankful for in their lives beyond the Thanksgiving holiday. 

“First off, I am thankful for my family. I have two daughters, two sons, 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. I’m thankful for my health. I’m 81 and feel 60. I took up ballroom dancing after my husband passed away last year, and I’m thankful dancing has given me a second chance at life.”

—Aline Delisle, Lady Lake

“I have a super-blessed life. I have great friends. I have my health and I’m so thankful for my family: my two daughters, two grandsons, one granddaughter, and I’m very thankful for my work family. I’m so happy to be a transplant from Illinois as the weather here is so amazing. I am blessed.”

—Heather Clark, Lady Lake

“I am very thankful to live in a wonderful community full of so many great, caring people. I am grateful for my family, clients and to live in such a beautiful county.”  

—Dawn Seymour, Grand Island

“I feel blessed and thankful my parents were so nurturing and supportive of me. Thankfulness is also a word that I would use for all those close friends that make life enjoyable and rewarding.”

—David Whittaker, Tavares

“I’m thankful to be alive. I am thankful to wake up every morning, and I am thankful to know I am surrounded by love and that I have love to give.”

—Anthony Chiocchi, Eustis

“I’m really grateful for my wife of 30 years and our two children. They’re both generous and kind people. I’m also not taking my health for granted, so I’m very grateful for being as healthy as I am.”

—Stuart Palmer, Mount Dora

“I am thankful to be in such a creative industry, and thankful that I get to make people feel beautiful. I have had my (beauty salon) business little over a year and I am very thankful for all of my clients.”

—Amanda Grace Clay, Leesburg