Potomac Residents Count Their Blessings

POTOMAC – This time of year Potomac residents share thankfulness and celebrate Thanksgiving in multiple ways.

Longtime Potomac resident Janelle Shiller is thankful for her family. "I am very thankful for my health and having my daughter, son in law and two grandsons so close to me." She is also thankful for her son who frequently visits and her many friends in the valley.

* * * *

Judy DeNoyer continues the trend of being grateful for family.

"My two children and their families, my sisters and their families have provided wonderful support for me, as well as providing great opportunities for me to support and assist them," she said.

DeNoyer feels counting blessings turns thoughts to the good that is always around us.  "It is so important to recognize that good is there, even when circumstances want to magnify the challenges we face."  

Every Thanksgiving morning she attends the Thanksgiving service at her church.

* * * *

The Allen family spends Thanksgiving Day as a family and is thankful for laughs and good food.

Codi Allen grew up here and enjoys the get together with her parents, sisters and their families.

* * * *

Diane and Jim Strickland are new to Potomac and are thankful for the ability to help those in need. "I am thankful for meeting such wonderful people in our new community, and for the many blessings God has given us," said Diane.

She is also thankful for her daughter still being on this earth and her willingness to work on her issues.

Diane counts her blessings as well. She said that counting blessings allows the appreciation of each blessing as it is bestowed and allows us to give thanks to God for the people in our lives.

She added how Jim always is the main person in the kitchen at Thanksgiving. "I handle munchies, sides and setup. It's a wonderful treat to have him take control in the kitchen!"

Thanksgiving in the Strickland household entails a traditional dinner for friends and neighbors who may not be able to prepare their own feast or who may be alone.

Diane said, "The more the merrier."