As we all settle in with friends and family to enjoy Thanksgiving, the Plant City Times & Observer asked some of Plant City’s notable residents to share reasons why they are thankful this year.
I am thankful for so many things. I love the idea of taking a moment to reflect on things that I am thankful for. Here are just a few of the many things I am most thankful for in my life:
• First and foremost, I am thankful and grateful for my relationship with my lord and savior; He is my everything. He is the source of my strength and, no matter what, He has never failed me.
• My family. I have the best family ever. I am so thankful for my husband, Tony, and my son, Anthony. They are very supportive, and the constant love they give me is agape love, selfless love. I am thankful for parents, they demanded nothing but my best. When I was much younger I didn’t understand, but I do now. Thank goodness for my family, their high values and strong character. Even today they guide me, keep me in check and are just nice to be around!
• Friends. I know that, to have true friends, you most be one first. I am thankful I have such wonderful, true friends. My true friends are ones who can eat and drink together, talk and laugh together, enjoy life together and can cry together.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I realize that each morning I wake up and open my eyes I know that I have received a gift from God, and that is I have another day. And to anyone reading this: Be thankful for your brand new day, you have another day to love, another day to hope.
— Mary Thomas Mathis, Plant City mayor
I’m most thankful for being blessed with amazing people that are always there to guide me through life. Definitely my parents, grandparents and friends. They always know exactly what to say if I’m ever stressed or confused! I am thankful for them every single day!
— Kelsey Fry, 2013 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen
My family and the opportunity to love the life I live.
— Johnny Knotts
That would have to be my family, first of all. I’m thankful to be around to watch the kids grow up. That really, really has been a blessing. And freedom: That’s the next most important thing. There’s so many things to be thankful for. There’s a lot of good things going for us.
— Dan Raulerson, Florida House of Representatives, District 58
I’m thankful that whatever we have been through; whatever hurt, whatever heartache or pain — there is always hope where this is love. I am thankful for love.
— Cliff Brown, Clemons Road
I have to be thankful for the fabulous staff here at the Bruton Memorial Library. They are the most helpful, knowledgeable and friendly staff you can have!
— Anne Haywood, Bruton Memorial Library
I’m extremely thankful for my family, children, grandchildren and extended family. I’m thankful to live in a country where we can celebrate our differences, and we have freedoms that a lot of countries don’t have. I’m thankful that I’m able to live in the Plant City community and be around so many good people.”
— Paul Davis, general manager, Florida Strawberry Festival
This holiday season, I’m really thankful for my growing family. I’m expecting my second child — another little boy — who will be arriving in February 2014, so we’re super excited about that.
— Cynthia Diaz, owner, The Corner Store
I’m thankful for my family, friends and acquaintances. I’m thankful for the gift to live by faith and not by fear. I’m thankful for the gift of laughter and the will to be happy. And, I’m also thankful for God’s love.
— Marsha Passmore
“I’m thankful for winning the [Superbowl] and for my family. My dad, my mom and my whole family.”
— Reggie Bush, running back, Plant City Dolphins
“I’m thankful for a great family, great kids and great parents.”
— Jeff Hutchinson, head coach, Plant City Dolphins