What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving week to you all. We asked people to share what they are thankful for this season. You are also invited to join in. Go to the add comment section at the bottom of this story and submit what makes you thankful. All we ask is that this be politics-free please.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to come to such a wonderfully collaborative community as the final stop in my professional journey.”

Philip Conrad, Superintendent of Schools

“I am thankful that my daughter will be home from college for Thanksgiving.” 

Emily Mitchell, Chair of the Select Board

“My moments of being happy this Thanksgiving Season is that the after many years as a feature on Bedford TV, and after nearly two years of shutdown do to COVID, the Bedford Common show will be getting back up and running. Stay tuned.”

Ralph Hammond, Educator and Community Volunteer

I’m thankful to have interesting and challenging work to do every day that keeps me active and engaged in the life of Bedford. I’m thankful to still be able to contribute to Bedford through my work on The Citizen even though I no longer live in town.

Dot Bergin, Copy Editor, The Bedford Citizen

“I am most thankful for ‘My Village’ of family and friends. Through all the ups and downs, and steady times, too, they have been a constant through it all. I don’t know where I would be without them. Feeling very blessed this holiday season.”

Laura Bullock, author of Ask Aunt Laura

“I’m thankful for the people I’ve met during the past year who have lived here in Bedford a long time, like myself, and became acquainted through town programs and classes. These shared experiences brought new and renewed friendships.”

Jane Taylor, author of Baker’s Best: Jane’s Favorite Recipes

I am thankful for the Town’s firefighters and police officers who are working on Thanksgiving Day – and I am also thankful for my mom’s green bean casserole.

Sarah A. Stanton, Bedford Town Manager

“No doubt, I am grateful for the physical blessings in life: food, clothing, a warm house, family, friends, a wonderful job. Even more, on Thanksgiving, I remember the times when I was stuck in a situation where there seemed to be no hope, and then, in the midst, hope was reborn. Remembering the times when grace happened in my life with intention and clarity is at the heart of my faith. I especially remember the people who were vehicles of that grace. Some were close friends and family, some were strangers, yet all made a difference in my life and I give thanks to God and them for being there in my time of deepest need. This leads me to also think of the times when I had the privilege of being a vehicle of grace, whether I knew it or not. One of the joys of my job is seeing grace happen in people’s lives. Being there and helping in even a small way gives me a joy I cannot even express. Amazing grace, indeed!”

John Castricum, Pastor, First Church of Christ, Congregational, Bedford

“I’m grateful for the dedicated passionate generous people of First Parish in Bedford who have kept our congregation going and growing despite a variety of challenges.”

Rev. Annie Gonzalez, Acting Senior Minister at First Parish in Bedford

I am very thankful for the extraordinary work of our teachers and mental health professionals who are helping our young people navigate through Covid and its aftermath. Their commitment, adaptation to change, and diligence in the face of this challenge has been powerfully important and inspiring.

Ginni Spencer, Co-President of The Bedford Citizen Board of Directors

I’m thankful for the Gift of Life, Love, and Laughter. 

For my family and friends, the warmth of sun, inspiring colors, and nature; for chirping birds, scampering critters, butterflies and hummingbirds; for children playing, people laughing, smiling faces; for dancing, meaningful music, inspirational sayings; for creativity, a giving heart, my memories and me.

Kathleen Benjamin, A Child of God

I give thanks for the renewal of hope and opportunity that lies in the potential of each day and for all the people I’ve met along the way in my journey of life. 

Wayne Braverman, Managing Editor, The Bedford Citizen