Waukee Weighs In: What Are You Thankful For?

There's something about sitting down to a table full of food, conversing with family and friends and watching a football game on Thanksgiving. But the holiday is about more than just a full belly and televised sporting events.

In the early 1600s, Thanksgiving was a time to celebrate a successful harvest and give thanks for the bounty. Today, that celebration means giving thanks for good health, happiness, wealth, successes and meaningful relationships.

In the spirit of the holiday, we at Waukee Patch asked city leaders, business owners, school administrators, bloggers and other notable residents what they were thankful for this year. Here are their responses:

"I am thankful for my healthy husband, kids and extended family, for a career I enjoy and for my wonderful friends." - Sara Larson, president of the Waukee Chamber of Commerce

"I am most Thankful for a loving and supportive wife and healthy kids." - Shane Blanchard, Waukee City Councilman

"I am extremely thankful for the many blessings in my life such as family, friends, and the freedoms we have as Americans. The best attitude to carry with you is an attitude of gratitude!" - Rod West, Peoples Trust & Savings Bank

"I am thankful for having a wonderful group of employees who take great care of our customers and each other. They make our place comfortable, like you are always with family." Amy Walsh, Mickey's Irish Pub, Waukee

"I am thankful for three happy, healthy kids, a wonderful, supportive husband, great friends and Starbucks." Jody Gifford, Waukee Patch

"I am thankful that I have a healthy bride, son and daughter. Our family has been blessed in 2012. I am also thankful for the many positive influences in my life, thankful for my church and for the Waukee school community." - Kirk Johnson, prinicipal, Waukee High School

"I am thankful for the gift of being a mother, and being fortunate enough to be home with my boys. However trying some days may be, it's remarkable witnessing the changes as they grow. I need to remember this and enjoy it more. My husband and I have W.I.C.D.T. engraved in our wedding rings, after all the stresses and challenges life throws our way, it's 'What It Comes Down To' that's most important - family, faith, friends, and contentment." - Shelly Hughes, Waukee City Council

"I am thankful for all members of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce for supporting our mission to promote growth and prosperity in our local economy.  I am also thankful for the Chamber’s strong leadership including our Board of Directors, Board President Sara Larson, Intern Sydni Rowen and all of our dedicated Ambassadors for their commitment to making Waukee a great place to live and work!  I am also thankful to enjoy Iowa’s beautiful seasons and for my family, good friends and health!" - Melinda Behn, Executive Director of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce

"I am very thankful for my family, friends, education, and Waukee community. They have all given me so many incredible opportunities, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them." - Sydni Rowen, Waukee High School senior