At the holiday season, we are reminded to be thankful and to count our blessings. The children and youths who are temporarily living at our Crisis Center's Alternative House were invited to list for what they were thankful.

These are kids, as young as 6 up to age 17, who are out of their home for their safety and protection and because of hurtful things in their young lives. These are their words:

I am thankful for ...

God, that he is always there whenever I need him.

My friends that have always been there for me.

The food I get to eat.

That I am still living.

For having a nice personality.

I have somewhere to live.

A roof over my head.

Clothes on my back.

God for creating me.

My love of sports and ability to do well.

My intelligence.

My ability to eat as much as I want and not get fat.

All the chances I have had.

Being able to make friends easily.

Life itself.

Shoes.

Waking up every day.

A heart to love for a God that keeps his promises.

My mom for birthing me in this world.

An ability to receive an education.

Never being on alcohol or medication.

My mind to want to live right.

A mouth to speak with, two eyes to see.

God for giving me life.

And providing me a place to stay and friends.

To God I give thanks.

Breathing, sleeping, hearing.

The activity of my limbs.

My heart's rhythm and ability to love.

The flow of blood in my veins.

My mind that is sane.

The brown of my skin.

The soul and spirit within.

To God I give thanks.

The days begin as the sun hits the side of my face. I look and am blessed. I greet my parents with kisses that they are still alive. I stop. I think I am blessed.

We should all be grateful for something, because without God, we would not be able to see, smell, feel, hear and speak. So be thankful for God giving us a roof over our heads and for letting us stay in this youth home that is the wonderful Crisis Center.

When we have so much and ads invite us to have more, these kids are grateful for the basic things and life itself. A good reminder to us all to realize all the ways we too are blessed.