Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on what we are thankful for as we prepare to spend the holiday with family and friends. Six Marylanders share heartwarming thoughts and beautiful blessings.
Leticia Nortey- Baltimore County and Carroll County
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and to the amazing, selfless people who have supported us on this journey. Our volunteers and board of directors are all incredibly human beings.” ❤️
(L-r): Leticia Nortey, founder of Expanding Boundaries International, alongside her college professor, Brenda A. Brown from Morgan State University, who supported her study abroad experience in China.
Photo credit: Jamie Howard (Special Memories Photography)
Taneka Pack – Baltimore
“I am grateful for my support circle. Life has its way of throwing challenges our way and running a business on top of that can feel overwhelming at times. But having a circle of people who offer words of encouragement, sound advice, warm hugs, and unwavering support makes all the difference. They remind me that even the toughest hurdles can be overcome, and what once seemed impossible becomes possible.”
Photo credit: Roy Cox from Roy Cox Photography
Eric Randall—Baltimore County
As I sit back and reflect on this brisk fall evening, I look back over the year as Thanksgiving approaches and I think about how grateful I am for God’s mercy. Always providing for my family, always protecting those I love, and always guiding me through life’s foliage. I mean what else could explain a young, Black man at 39 years old making it out of the inner city of Baltimore to grow and have four successful businesses, a beautiful family, a home and overwhelming support?
I just pray to live long enough to see great-grandkids and to retire in my forties. Until then, I will wait for the nostril-filling smells of family-prepared food and desserts in the next few days. The sounds of ‘Say Cheese,’ and other picture-making references as we freeze a moment in time because God gave us another year…”
Photo credit: Bryan Mroz
Shaleece Williams – Annapolis
“I am deeply thankful for my wonderful little family—my husband and our four children—who fill my days with energy and make every moment of life meaningful. This past year we enjoyed our first family trip and I am so grateful and looking forward to many more.”
Photo credit: Shaleece Williams
Dr. Larry White – Glen Burnie
“I am thankful for my family. Six months ago, I received news that my wife had breast cancer. When I first found out about the news, life was a blur! My son was graduating from high school and my niece was graduating from Harvard. My wife said, ‘Do not tell anyone. I want them to enjoy their ceremonies without any distractions.’ This was very difficult for me as I was not sure if I would lose my beautiful bride of 22 years of marriage. My family gathered around me and kept me strong so I could be there for my wife, children, and grandchildren.
Thank God the tumor was detected early, and my wife has almost completed her chemotherapy treatments. Soon my wife will be cancer-free. So, I am very thankful for my wife and my family. It has been a very difficult road, but God is able. Never take anything for granted.
“Iron sharpens iron.” Proverbs 27
Photo credit: Dr. Larry White, Sr.
Danielle Young –originally from Annapolis, moved to Cambridge
“This year has been a challenging one to say the least, but God has truly heard a mother’s prayer and blessed me and my son. I’m very grateful for the Lord blessing me and my son with a new home that we can share and enjoy with family and friends.”
Photo credit: Danielle Young