November 23 , 2023 The Beacon • 17
Be thankful for kindness , family , understanding
By Jen Jones
This time of year is when most people stop and think about what they are thankful for in their lives . Family , friends and their job are often at the top of the list . For people with disabilities and those who live and work with them , what they are thankful for can be varied .
Hayli Brown said she is thankful for family , friends , the ASK Autism group and all of the events that are organized so her family can participate . Her son Marvin has autism , and he is thankful for golf balls , “ Ninja Turtles ” and his “ Grinny .” Grinny is Hayli ’ s mom Nancy , who said she is thankful for family .
Tyler Rice is thankful for his friends at MidWest and at Domino ’ s , where he works . His grandma Emily Gephart said she is grateful for the opportunities and support her community offers families with members with disabilities .
Cyrys Hardesty said , “ I ’ m thankful for my family . They do everything to help me .”
Sandy Hardesty , his grandma , said , “ I am thankful for so much , from elementary school to the career center . The love , support , friendship , care , kindness and opportunities every single person has shown is amazing .”
She said all of the schools ’ staff have always been very supportive of Cyrys . “ They have all shown so much love to us . I am also very thankful for my family and friends , for all the love , support and understanding they have given me through this autism journey .”
Riley Reveal said , “ I am thankful when people are kind to me .”
His dad Craig said he is thankful for the increase in awareness and opportunities for those with disabilities .
Reveal ’ s mom Cherie said she is thankful for those helping others with support , whether it be ideas for medical needs , a shoulder to lean on or the ability to celebrate every milestone together .
Rob Jones is thankful for his grandpa Mack and his niece Rosie . His sister Casey is thankful for turkey and “ Sesame Street .”
Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities employees were happy to share what they are thankful for .
Charity Simmerman said , “ I am thankful for all of the SSAs who continually give 120 % to help individuals with disabilities achieve their personal goals . I am thankful for the individuals and their families that we have the opportunity to work with . I am thankful for all of the community partners we work with . I am also thankful every time I get to witness someone achieving something that is important to them .”
Occupational therapist Tonya Fish has a long list of what she is thankful for . “ I ’ m thankful for each person I get to work with and their families . I ’ m thankful for the relationship we have . I ’ m thankful to be able to help them and learn from them . I ’ m thankful for the opportunities we have in our DD world . I ’ m thankful for those people who go out of their way to make our folks feel included . I ’ m thankful when I get to see successes , no matter the size . I ’ m thankful for folks who never give up , and I ’ m thankful for folks who share the stories of these wonderful people and their families so that the public can be better informed and we truly can be one community .”
SSA Mandy Brenly said , “ I ’ m grateful for all of the amazing , caring people I ’ ve met . So many people come together and work so hard to make sure people with disabilities have opportunities to grow and live their best lives .”
Deanna Lanham , life engagement coordinator at
Hopewell Industries , said , “ I am thankful for the relationships that I have built . I have never felt a more pure love than I do from the people I care for . They are so accepting of me . They also allow me to be a big part of their lives , from celebrating birthdays to celebrating holidays , and they are my extended family .”
Life Engagement Director Kisha McCurdy said , “ I am thankful to support amazing individuals with developmental disabilities . They have taught me so much in regards to life and enjoying the moment . I ’ m also very thankful for my team members . Without them we couldn ’ t do what we do . Most importantly , I am thankful for those who support those with mental health issues and help them have a second chance at life .”
File This time of year is when most people stop and think about what they are thankful for in their lives .