MOUNT GILEAD — Nikki Workman admits she’s “had a pretty awesome life … great parents, supportive siblings and a wonderful family of my own now that I am grown.”
But things changed for Workman and her family in September of 2017.
“My brother Scott Evans (the fourth of six children) was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Although this has been a very difficult time for our family, I’m thankful for many things. The fact that he is actually still here and enjoying life, in between the bad days,” Workman said.
She’s learned a few lessons watching him over the past year.
“I have learned that attitude truly is everything and he has a great one. He’s doing the things that he loves most like fishing — lots of fishing,” said the Morrow County resident.
“No one wants to go through this or watch someone they love go through this. But this experience has really taught me a lot about life and my brother has been my teacher.”
For many in north central Ohio this holiday revolves around family.
“I’m thankful for still having my parents and in-laws a part of our lives. What a blessing,” Ashley Pennington White said.
Thanksgiving Day is an annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. The day has deep roots in religious tradition, but it is primarily celebrated as a secular holiday.
The tradition began in early 17th century, but the date and popularity varied between states. First nation-wide Thanksgiving was proclaimed on Nov. 26, 1789 by George Washington. The contemporary date of the fourth Thursday of November was set in 1941 by federal legislation.
Tina Hatcher is “thankful for my new leg and all my family for being there for me through this all.”
She recently received an artificial leg following an amputation.
Andrea Hazen listed several reasons for her thankfulness.
“I’m thankful for my family, a job after being laid off twice this year and good health.”
Joan Jagger says she’s “thankful for freedom.”
Penni Wheeler Fox summed it up, saying, “Family. Always thankful for family.”
