Thanksgiving is over, but I was able to grab a few leftovers to savor later. As my mother-in-law served the pumpkin pie, I moved my chair to the kids' table to ask our youngest what they were thankful for this year, and if they wanted to answer, what wish they would make for the world.
"And no talking about toys!"
Julian, 3, Baltimore:
I love Ivan (his newborn brother).
Ava, 6, Lititz:
I am thankful for all my friends and for my family and for Santa Claus, because they care about me very, very, very, very, very, very, VERY much.
Johnnie, 6, Philadelphia:
I am thankful for my family and my home. I am thankful because my family is nice.
Parker, 7, Lititz:
I am thankful for my family, because they love me.
Austin, 9, Lititz:
I am thankful that we have food, drink and shelter. I am thankful for my family, because they always protect me, and I am thankful for my brother ... if I feel bored, he always accompanies me ... and for my grandparents, because whenever I go into their houses, they always give me a good greeting, and they show me how much they love me.
My wish for the world is that people in Africa will have food, drink and shelter like I can enjoy, because it is not fair that we have all the food and others don't.
Jimmie, 10, Philadelphia:
I am thankful for my family and friends and for sports. I am thankful for my sister and brothers, because they help me learn stuff. And if I didn't have them, I wouldn't get through life, because they make life fun.
My mom and dad are always there for me, and they work to help us. ... They are always with us. And I am thankful for my Papou (grandfather), because he always helps me with the piano, so when I get older, I can play the piano better and have music in my life.
J.J., 11, Lititz:
I am extremely thankful for my loving grandparents, parents, sister, friends, food and shelter. I am thankful that my entire family cares for me like I am worth a trillion dollars. I am also thankful for my teachers, because they spend their time to teach me and so many other kids in the world what they have learned.
My wish for the world is that every child would know the love that I know.
George, 12:
I am thankful for my parents, because they are at every single one of my sports games, and they are supportive and helpful ... and for my sister, because she helps me with everything. She's good to talk with and gives good advice about school and life, because she is a genius! I am also thankful for my grandfather, because he is the most special guy in the world.
My wish for the world is for real peace and happiness.
Dawn, 16:
I am thankful for my loving family ... for my education ... for religion ... for God ... for my friends ... and for my health ... My parents are always supportive and loving. My brothers are always there for me. They are so loving, and they're good kids. I like being the role model. I am thankful that my grandfather can take me to school every morning. Every day he teaches me something new.
My wish for the world is world peace. These days, it's crazy. It's really stressful out there. I am going to be an adult soon, and it is up to my generation to take care of the future problems. It's my wish that if we set our minds to it, my generation will succeed.
Joe, 39, Lititz:
I am thankful for the wisdom of children.
E-mail Joe at: jvulopas@aol.com. 