It is the season for giving thanks and all of us at Cedar Village are thankful, every day, for the privilege of caring for those who live here. We do see this as a sacred trust and we honor and appreciate this opportunity-to be a part of the lives of these special people; to learn from them; to share a hug and a smile; to hear someone say "you are my family."

As I thought about the holiday, I thought it might be nice to ask our residents and staff what they are thankful for this year. Our Resident Life team, ably led by Marcia Westcott, collected a lot of these reflections to share with you. We hope you enjoy them and we wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday.

From our residents: "Good health" "Family and friends" "Being alive" "Being healthy" "Cedar Village" "Being with people" "Being at Cedar Village, knowing I am safe and cared for" "Everything . . . and doughnuts!" "My son" "Visiting with my granddaughter" "Getting better" "Cedar Village and the great staff who make things possible for me" "Being with my children and grandchildren" "My wonderful wife" "Turkey!" "Living in a free country."

From our staff and volunteers: "Freedom" "Family and friends" "Having a job that does not feel like a job" "Being alive and healthy" "Cedar Village" "My family's health" "Good children and good health" "Waking up in the morning" "Being able to share Thanksgiving with my family" "A wonderful fulfilling job" "Being a part of the Cedar Village family-even though my parents are no longer with me, I have found such strength and encouragement from being around the residents that I work with every day" "Working here and making a meaningful contribution that impacts the lives and well being of others" "I am thankful for a moment in time with a resident yesterday. She sang me a special love song from WWII and told me about the meaning it had for her. It was a moment I will cherish forever." "My own family and friends and my Cedar Village family" "I am thankful that sometimes all it takes is a smile to show your love and to be loved in return" "I am very thankful for the gift of life and to be able to share with all those I love, my family, friends and coworkers. We all must be thankful for each other and treat everyone with love and kindness or when we look back, life somehow becomes too short."