Giving thanks is a year-round tradition at Perry Wellness Center, but Thanksgiving week is certainly a special time for reminding ourselves of all we are thankful for.
Last week we held our annual Thanksgiving Feast for peers and staff. In preparation for the meal, a special turkey-themed collection box was created to gather personal notes of thanks. Before the meal began, counselor Noah Cochran opened the collection box shared the many messages that had been tucked inside. While all peers did not place comments in the box, a large number of moving comments were collected and read before the Thanksgiving meal.
We thought we’d share some of these comments with you. They touched our heart, and we think they’ll touch yours as well.
“A time to occupy my mind and help other peers...”
“Thank you for Gracie, the center’s canine mascot.”
“Thanks to Essie, who is just like a mom to me.”
“I am thankful for all my good friends.”
Thankful for being off the streets…”
“Thanks for encouragement.”
“I am thankful for my family and Perry Wellness Center. I thank God for letting me see another Thanksgiving and have good mind and health.”
“I am thankful for learning to appreciate things and for learning how to stay out of trouble.”
“I am thankful for a place to learn and for giving me money for my chores and being able to buy things I need.”
“I am thankful for the support in my recovery provided at Perry Wellness Center.”
“Thankful for help in my recovery…”
“I am thankful that I have another chance in life.”
“I am thankful for Amanda and her reminding me about life.”
“I am thankful for my family.”
“I am thankful for each new and exciting day.”
“Stuart, Pam and Amanda have helped me through the years to become a better person.”
“I am thankful to God for each new day.”
“I am thankful for Perry Wellness Center for helping me in my anger management.”
“Thank you, Amanda, for being a role model.”
“Thankful that I can come to Perry Wellness Center and find love and help in my life.”
Before the meal began, peer Laurie Hildreth offered a special thanks for the food and for Perry Wellness Center, along with a request for her mother’s improving health. A meal of ham, turnips, green beans, dressing, and gravy, potato salad, and kale salad was offered to each peer and staff member. Desserts included freshly baked pecan pies, banana pudding, and pumpkin pie.
We hope that each of you found something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season. We are thankful for the mission of our center and for all the support our community provides as it opens its arms to peers in recovery.
In the photo above, Noah Cochran presents special notes of Thanksgiving included in the “turkey box.”