My Thanksgiving Reflection

For some individuals and families, Thanksgiving is seasonal and the only time it's paid special attention to, is this time each year. However, for me, it's something that I live by each and every day. There is not a day that goes by, to my knowledge that I haven't acknowledge or told my Lord, My Savior, Thank You! So, as this nationally recognized holiday, I would like to share with you, our readers, what I am thankful and grateful for this week, especially.

I must admit that I am grateful to have a relationship with God. It is because of him, that I am able to continue to stand and withstand, even when "life be lifing, people be peopleing

and the math just don't add up". It is safe to say, that I am currently at a point in time that I am currently living in the season of answered prayers.

This year alone, as it relates to my career, I have grown drastically as a journalist. I was afforded opportunities that are still mind blowing to me. Being able to meet and cover some of our living legends to experience the ability to cover some of Detroit's historical moments this year like the NFL Draft, the Detroit Grand Prix, and the Harris-Walz campaign was truly an extraordinary experience to me. For that, I am truly thankful.

As a Sickle Cell Warrior and Advocate, this has been another successful year. Helping to create and make change so that the communities we live in, has seen an increase in Sickle Cell Awareness has been phenomenal. Members of our communities have now been educated on Sickle Cell Disease and the lifestyles of those living with this illness. To help spread the knowledge that this is an illness, a disease that is important and that it dares to be taken serious just like any other genetic blood disorder. Calling attention to it at the local, state andfederal levels, there are strides being made for the better.

Just like many of you, our readers, my family and my friends circle are near and dear to my heart, they play such a vital role in my life. I am extremely grateful to my mother, SeconiesKirkman, my sister, Jazmin Kirkman, my daughter, Crystal R. Kirkman and my 2-year-old niece, Sycai Kirkman. They are my motivation. After them, comes my extended family and my family that has been created through bonds.

I dare not forget to mention my church family, the New Macedonia Church, under the leadership of Rev. L. Deon Williams, I and Asst. Pastor, Prophetess Z'Keiya Williams. Our church is one that continues to keep me grounded, while continuing to help me live a purposeful life through Christ Jesus.

I would encourage you to take a moment to deeply reflect and to acknowledge those things that you are thankful for this year. Write a list and see how many that you come up with.

Once you do that, then you can reflect on this year and how far you have come and then to determine how far you want to go, next year!

Enjoy you Holiday this week! Be safe and take plenty of pictures. Create those memories!