When I look across our family room and see my husband of 45 years, my glass runneth over.

Thankful to see him a survivor of triple bypass surgery and gangrene gallbladder surgery all within eight weeks of each surgery, my mind wanders back to how good God has been to guide us through many peaks and valleys.

We live in a wonderful country full of glorious scenery and passionate love of freedom. Our fine young people leaving their homes to protect and preserve our country. I feel great thankfulness for all of them.

There are two sons who have given me such love and respect. My tears fall with all the thanks they can hold for my blessings.

We have shelter from the weather and enough food to fill us while I know there are many who want for a roof over their heads and food enough just to sustain themselves. Thankful for every day knowing except for the grace of God, there go I.

Words are not enough to tell you how thankful I am to be alive to enjoy the simplest of pleasures. So often we forget the cost so many people have paid to ensure our right to be thankful.

May I take this small chance to say how proud I am to be an American in a free country as this. Thankful to God for every blessing I have received and may all of us have a half full glass this and all Thanksgivings.

Continuing on past this day of celebration, I want to always feel thankful and remember every happy moment and learn from every trial. How great it is to be alive and feel the season’s change, watch young people reach their goals and challenges to become good and faithful citizens of our great country. I feel thankful to witness young parents caring for their children and striving to teach them values and most of all love.

Half full? Maybe I was wrong, maybe my glass is running over with thankfulness.

Leah Lois Black lives in Joplin. She is one of five winners of the Globe’s Thanksgiving essay contest. She will receive a $50 gift certificate to be used at a local grocer.