By Melia Elliott

Globe guest columnist

I am thankful for enough grief, tragedy and difficulty in my past to have created a sense of humor, gratitude and faith in my spirit as I face the future.

My father, a disabled veteran, suffered a broken neck and disabling arthritis which caused him to constantly look down at the ground. To look a person in the eyes, he had to lean his whole body back and glance up. As a small child this often embarrassed me in front of my peers as other children would ask him why he was looking down.

Daddy would tell them he was looking for money and then the children would usually start bending down imitating him. When they weren’t looking, he would empty his pockets of his coins, tossing them to the ground, and of course the children would find them and exclaim, “It works! It works!” The children would leave happy with their newfound wealth, and my Daddy would always chuckle.

As I grew older, I appreciated the power of a positive attitude and the sense of humor he modeled for me despite his own pain — traits I am thankful for today.

I have suffered enough loss to appreciate those precious people in my life. After losing my parents early in life and more recently a son born premature, I have grieved enough to appreciate joy.

The hugs of my children, the pride in their eyes when they accomplish a feat, the 100 percent on a Friday spelling test, the music they make and the growth I see in their character are riches to me — and sharing these moments with my husband make them sweeter yet.

I am thankful for these people who share this beautiful journey with me and makes it richer, yet also for the strength and peace I feel in solitude.

On an icy January night two years ago, we lost our home and many possessions in a devastating house fire. Though we have now rebuilt, and the clothing, toys and furniture have been replaced, I’ll never forget the feeling of, although temporarily, having been without the little comforts in life: no toothbrush, no clean underclothes, no dishes, no hairbrush, no dry shoes and yet still having all the big things that matter. You see, I still had my husband, my family, my integrity and my faith. The Lord indeed gave me beauty for ashes when I found within myself a compassion for others’ sufferings and loss through facing my own stresses and heartaches.

What am I thankful for during this Thanksgiving season? I am thankful for the good and the bad, the fire and the ice, the grief and the joy, the turkey and the dressing. Downturns, economic or otherwise, will be what we make them. I am my father’s daughter. I choose to look for the blessings and always keep a sense of humor.

Melia Elliott lives in Galena, Kan. She is one of five winners in the Globe’s Thanksgiving essay contest. She received a $50 gift certificate to be used at a local grocery store.