Yes, giving thanks this year while with our family and friends will have a new purpose for many at the Jersey Shore and in the shore towns destroyed by Hurricane Sandy last year.  As folks have contemplated how lucky they truly are, most have also spent a lot of time thinking about the others that are less fortunate, who are not only suffering from great material losses but face the daunting task of trying to rebuild their homes, businesses and lives after Hurricane Sandy.

I too have spent a great deal of time thinking and reflecting on my home town which was spared the wrath of Hurricane Sandy, and realizing how fortunate I am to have been raised “down the shore”. My wife and I grew up in SW Philly. We meet in 1977 when we both worked at Mariners Landing on the Wildwood boardwalk and went on our first date. I’m thankful that my son got to experience the Jersey Shore I grew up at and that he had the experience to work for the Morey’s at the same pier that my wife and I meet at.

I am thankful for all of my friends and family and wish them all health and happiness.

I am thankful for all the soldiers who are spending this holiday away from their family’s defending this country.

I am thankful for my friends and family that have beat cancer.

I am thankful for God blessing me with a wonderful loving wife and son

I am thankful for being lucky enough to spend every summer of my life in North Wildwood.

I am thankful for living on a small island at the Jersey Shore where everyone knows everyone.

I am thankful for having a boardwalk, great sunrises, a Ferris Wheel and Roller Coasters in my front yard.

I am thankful for beautiful sunsets every day in my backyard.

I am thankful for all the little thing I never stop and pay attention to.

I am thankful for all of you who follow this blog.

I am thankful for being able to wake up everyday on this island I love.

I am very proud and thankful for all our volunteers that gave selflessly of their time to help give others whatever little comfort we could. And proud too of our community that has reached out and helped take care of their neighbors or in some cases even strangers.

I am thankful for our island mayor’s, commissioners and council persons in The Wildwoods for making this a great place to live and raise your family. For the islands police and fire who’s fast response you can always count on. For his sometimes controversial politics aside, I’m glad we had a “Jersey Shore guy” for our governor, one that knew the same boardwalks and beaches that we all do, and what they have meant to all of us.

 

Enjoy this thanksgiving day with your loved ones, love a little more, hug and kiss them a little more and tell them how much they mean to you. Happy Thanksgiving from The Wildwoods

 

 

 

 

 

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