THANKSGIVING OFFERS TIME FOR REFLECTION

GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT WE NEED — FAMILY, FRIENDS

This Thanksgiving, as I reflect on the past few years, I can only really think of one thing that I am truly thankful for.

While some might say they are "stoked" to have their iPods, PSPs, and other high-tech gadgets, I could live without them.

All I really need are the people who are in my life. I am so thankful to be surrounded by such truly incredible people. I would give up all the money, all the power, everything in the world just to keep these people here with me. From my family to my friends, I could not have asked God to bless me with anything more.

My family has given me unconditional love; I don't know how I would have ever made it through the last 17 years of life without their guidance and support. They are the ones who have seen me at my best and at my worst, and they love me regardless of whatever mess I seem to get myself into. These are the people who have molded me into the person that I am today.

My friends have been the ones to whom my secrets were told, the ones my laughter was shared with, the ones whose shoulders I cry on. They give me that extra push to go the distance when I feel I have nothing left to give. They urge me to try new things, while ensuring that I never compromise my morals.

My teachers and coaches have taught me more than just trigonometry and basketball. They have taught me the importance of dedication, discipline and perseverance. They push me to be my very best in the classroom and on the court, while enriching my character as well. These are the ones who give me the tools necessary to succeed in life.

Without these people, I would be nowhere. I could never have made it this far in life on my own, and I could never find the words to express my gratitude.

GIVING THANKS FOR ALL THOSE WHO LOVE US

I am thankful for my mom, dad, my little brother, my grandma, my grandpa, my aunties, uncles and relatives. I am thankful for my cousins. I am thankful for my friends. Also I am thankful for the animals everywhere.

I am thankful for the pilgrims, who worked hard to make their food. I am thankful for the people who love me. I am thankful for these things because I know they wouldn't harm me.

TEENAGER THANKFUL FOR FAMILY, ADVICE, SUPPORT

My junior year has been the busiest school year of all. With all the time I put in at school during the weekdays and practices on the weekend, I have overlooked how much my family does for me. They're up at 5 in the morning on weekends to see me get ready for an upcoming performance or to drive me to practices on the weekend.

They're always there cheering me.

So this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the most selfless people I know — my mom, my dad and my brother, Cyrus. Thank you for your support, your advice and, most of all, always believing in me. I love you!

A DAY TO REMEMBER BLESSINGS AND SACRIFICE

Thanksgiving reminds me to stop and appreciate all the opportunities and privileges that can be overlooked during a hectic year. During this day, I give thanks not only for the blessings of life, but for the sacrifices others are making during this holiday season.

The brave troops in Iraq, who have endured so much, deserve our utmost gratitude for their service overseas.

So this Thanksgiving, I am grateful for their selfless devotion, and I am also thankful for all that I have been bestowed with.

My family and friends have nurtured my character, while teachers have cultivated my knowledge. I could not ask for more.

TEENS SHOULD GIVE THANKS FOR PARENTS

The most important aspect of Thanksgiving is giving thanks to all of the people who have helped you throughout the year.

It is most important for us to be thankful for all of the small acts of kindness that make us smile on a gloomy day.

Many of these small acts come from our parents. How many times throughout the year have teenagers yelled and screamed at them? In reality, we do not realize how lost we would be without them. They provide us with food, shelter and support — the three most important components for survival.

We most often do not appreciate all the generous gestures they do for us daily.

Thanksgiving is a day when we focus on all of the positive qualities that help us in numerous ways but are frequently neglected by us. So remember to thank your parents this Thanksgiving for not only preparing your Thanksgiving turkey, but for all of the support they have given you this whole year.

GIFT OF LIFE OFFERS MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR

Having been in an ICU and not knowing if it was lights out, makes one feel more than thankful to be on this side of the dirt (golfer saying).

Sharing a holiday with family and friends is a gift — knowing our military has suffered close to 3,000 deaths and how much those families will miss their loved ones this holiday season and seasons to come sticks me hard in the heart.

Playing at scenic Kane'ohe Clipper golf course, I think how lucky I am compared with others this holiday season and those who won't ever get a chance to T'em up again.

A LIFE FILLED WITH MANY OCCASIONS FOR THANKS

I am thankful for:

A house filled with love, laughter and perpetual chaos, healthy, beautiful, big-eyed, bright children who remind me to take time to pet a "roly-poly" bug or watch a puppet show.

Maya for her creativity, love of reading and honesty.

Micah for the hugs, kiss and listen each day.

A husband who cooks for me, and always makes me smile.

Parents who are there when I need a sitter or helping hand.

Students who are enthused about learning and passionate about life.

Friends who listen to me vent about all of the above.

Those who surround me with their positive hearts and good spirits.

TODAY REMINDS US OF REAL MEANING OF WEALTH

There are so many reasons to be thankful in my life, and I don't take any of it for granted. I have been married for 19 years to an awesome man who takes care of me and our two cats and dog and considers them our "kids."

We own a small condo in Kane'ohe just below the Ko'olau mountains where we get to see rainbows, waterfalls and incredible skies.

I look forward to going to work, and I work with good people.

There's money in the bank, food on the table and friends and family to share the festive holiday season.

We are not materially wealthy by any means, but we wouldn't trade our lives with anyone. Our Higher Power has been good to us, and we have enough to share.

That is wealth. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

THANKING FAMILY FOR LOVE, THOUGHTFULNESS

My family gives me a reason to be thankful: a wife who cares about my physical and mental health by asking those difficult questions. A Shiba Inu dog named Aiko who runs ahead of me when I take her for her daily walk, forcing me to keep in shape. A daughter who makes me strawberry smoothies to cool off with on a hot day. A son who wants to test my martial arts skills by attacking when I least expect it. A mother whose faith in God is evidenced by her daily prayers for me. A mother-in-law who hangs laundry, irons clothes and cooks tasty meals for me. An older sister who likes to tell jokes and make me smile. An older brother who knows how to affirm me and make me feel important. A younger sister who reminds me to take time for myself. And to all those folks whose thoughtful acts and deeds (like sending a card, giving homemade treats, or making a lei) make me feel like I'm part of their 'ohana.

We need to take time to thank our families for what they mean to us. And we should allow ourselves to be family to them and others. If we all did this, wouldn't the world be a better place?

A DAY TO ENJOY THOSE WE LOVE (AND LEFTOVERS)

Thanksgiving is a time when all of my family pause and take time out of our busy lives to come together to enjoy each other's company.

In this day and age, we all seem to be running here and there, only able to see those we love for a split second before we have to run off somewhere else. Thanksgiving gives us a chance to pump those brakes that are seldom used, and enables us to relax while being with those who mean the most in our lives.

Oh, and leftover turkey sandwiches, too!

THANKSGIVING LETS US FIND THE SILVER LINING

While doing our mundane tasks, we usually find it hard to find the "silver lining" because we have grown accustomed to the privileges we have been given.

For Thanksgiving, we must be grateful for all our gifts. The most important element in my life that I am thankful for is my family. They shield me in time of need and chide me when I am not at my best. They keep me going when I think I might fall, and they share my grievances when I have them.

In this great American traditional holiday, we must cherish and appreciate our family. Without this "silver lining," our lives would be as dry as the turkey that has been left in the oven for too long.

MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR IN HAWAI'I

Living in Hawai'i, we have many reasons to be thankful.

Every day, we are reminded of the diverse mix of cultures that live together in harmony and share the aloha spirit with our extended 'ohana as well as the many people who visit our state.

We give thanks for the unparalleled natural beauty of the Islands, and those who are committed to protecting Hawai'i's unique environment and resources.

We appreciate the brave men and women in uniform who defend freedom and democracy around the world, and those who serve as first responders here at home to keep our neighborhoods safe and protect us in times of emergencies.

We commend the hardworking people across the state who labor every day to keep our businesses strong, educate our children, and ensure essential services are provided, while contributing to Hawai'i's vibrant economy.

And we are grateful for the generosity of Hawai'i's people who have extended their kokua both here at home and around the world to help those in need.

This year in particular, we saw the caring nature of Hawai'i's people from the private sector, government agencies, the military, faith-based community, schools and non-profit groups, who stepped forward to help the homeless find a safe place to live and the opportunity to gain self-sufficiency to make a better life for themselves and their families.

Thanks to this outpouring of aloha, 300 people at the Next Step Shelter in Kaka'ako and 200 people at the Onelau'ena transitional shelter in Kalaeloa will spend this Thanksgiving off of the beaches as they work to gain the skills needed to move forward. And on this day of thanks, volunteers from throughout the community will serve Thanksgiving meals to our extended 'ohana at these shelters.

As we gather with family and friends to give thanks for the countless blessings around us, we want to take this opportunity to send a personal message of aloha to all the people of Hawai'i. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as governor and lieutenant governor of the greatest state in the greatest nation. Working together with people from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, we have made great strides in improving the quality of life of our fellow residents. Our mission is by no means complete. We look forward to collaborating with everyone in the community to continue to improve our state economy, while protecting the things that make Hawai'i special.

From our families to yours, we wish you all the best this Thanksgiving.

Mahalo!

Gov. Linda Lingle

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona