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A family dinner in motion on Thanksgiving.

As Thanksgiving time approaches, you should take a moment out of your day to sit down and think about what you’re thankful for.

Let’s be real here, who isn’t looking forward to stuffing their faces with turkey and mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving?  Even as there is food to be eaten, we cannot forget there are things to be grateful for as well.  Whether it be the common answer of “I’m thankful for my family and friends” or a response such as “I love Netflix,” everyone should have something in mind that they truly appreciate.

If we don’t make people aware of how much they mean to us or show our gratitude towards the things they do for us, they will never know that we appreciate them, and everyone needs support and appreciation in their life.

At LHS, students are grateful for their families, education, friends, opportunities, and many other benefits, silly or serious, that are too often taken for granted by everyone, even the most thankful people, whether we realize it or not.

“I’m thankful for my family because of all the opportunities they give me,” said freshman Noah Payant.  Sophomore Garrett Fowkes agreed saying,“I’m thankful for a loving family.”

Even as family seems to be a typical response of what people are thankful for, they are nonetheless something to be grateful for. Our families make us laugh when we are sad, give us support when we need it, and do the best they can to make sure we are happy; these are simple gestures that we are used to, but not necessarily gestures we always acknowledge and appreciate. No, there certainly is not a perfect family out there, but there are spectacular aspects to each family, something that shouldn’t be overlooked or unappreciated.

“I’m thankful to have so many opportunities to volunteer and do service in my community. After volunteering, you just get that feeling that you helped others,” said freshman Bridget Horvath.  Fellow freshman Claudia Fiorenza added on her own thoughts by saying, “I’m thankful for all the support I get and the opportunities that come my way.”

In a town as affluent and privileged as Libertyville, we as citizens often overlook the fact that there are so many incredible opportunities here to not only receive an education better than what most students receive, but also that there are many chances to volunteer and give back to those not as fortunate as us. If we were to take a step back and overlook how prosperous Libertyville is compared to other parts of Chicago, maybe we would be more grateful than we are.

While some students at LHS are thankful for their families and the opportunities they have, others are thankful for more quirky things. “I’m thankful for McDonald’s because I love cinnamelts,” said senior Jimmy Govern.  Freshman Trevor Evans continued this uncommon thought of things to be thankful for saying, “I’m thankful for cats because they’re fluffy and make me happy.”

Even though these are somewhat unusual things to be grateful for, the point being made here is that everyday objects, such as activities, pets and foods, are also things to appreciate because some of the smallest things in our lives make the biggest impacts.

So, as Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, be sure to take a second and ask yourself, “What am I thankful for?”