When my children were small, my husband started a Thanksgiving Day tradition.

Before we tasted the bounty of food on our table, we each took a turn saying what we were thankful for. Some years, it was our health or recovery from an illness. Other years, it was just being together. And one special year -- only two years ago -- it was different.

The afternoon before Thanksgiving, a fire started in our basement and progressed to the main floors very quickly, destroying all the food I had prepared, and leaving us scurrying to a hotel that we'd call home for almost five months. That year, as we broke bread in the dining room of my parents' assisted living complex, we were thankful that we all got out safely and were there to share a Thanksgiving feast.

This year, many of us face difficult times.

So, before I take my first bite of cranberry sauce on Thursday, I want to take the time to thank you -- our teachers -- for all you do every day to enrich the lives of our children. Despite shrinking school budgets, eliminated programs and the pressure of testing requirements, you continue to seek out creative, new ways to inspire your students to learn. As a parent, a colleague, and a friend, I am proud and grateful to work with you.

 Tags  Thanksgiving

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