This perspective has been woven into the very fabric of the Friends of Karen tapestry. It has in a way become not only a mentality but a tradition in practicing gratitude. A salve for uncertain times and senseless struggles. Traditions provide comfort and a sense of belonging. Whether it is Grandma’s famous recipe, a favorite holiday song, a blessing or prayer recited by heart or a story passed down through generations- rituals bring meaning, nurture connections and give us something to look forward to and hope for.

One of our very favorite traditions at Friends of Karen is creating a gratitude poem with the extraordinary children that we work with. Reflecting on what we are thankful for is a tradition that research suggests can actually lift the spirits. Sharing gratitude strengthens relationships, bottles up those warm, fuzzy feelings, inspires us to relish the positive and helps us recognize sources of goodness- whether it is within ourselves or connects us to something bigger.

The struggles Friends of Karen families face may appear to be a hurdle in recognizing the positive, yet year after year Friends of Karen children show us that love and appreciation so often grow stronger with struggle. That perspective helps these families recognize what fills their hearts with thanks. We are grateful for our own community at Friends of Karen; the resilient families, compassionate staff and volunteers and the generous donors. Together we belong to a community bond by hope and kindness. Comfort and a sense of belonging, to be sure.

We invite you to read the Friends of Karen children’s words of gratitude below. We hope their poem brings you warmth, comfort and a bit of inspiration to your home this holiday season. The helpers are all around us.

We Are Thankful…

We are thankful for our homes- big or small but always warm and filled with LOVE

For snuggles and movie night

For good friends who care and the kindness of strangers

We are thankful for nature- the bluest sky, a dandelion puff, watching the waves crash or the snow gently fall

We are thankful for moments of peace and relaxation

For dance parties to Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Hozier

We are thankful for doctors and nurses and for all the people who have supported us through our cancer journeys

For baseball (Mets and/or Yankees)- we’ll get ‘ em next year!

We are thankful for freedom

For art- squishy model magic and bright, vibrant paint to express what we feel inside

We are thankful for our pets even when they jump up on the couch too much

For food

For God

We are thankful for our families; our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandmas, grandpas, abuelas, abuelos, aunts, uncles and cousins

For Jocelyn, Emerson, Alexander, Leslie, Bobby, Anna, Evelyn, Amelia, Elena, Kimberly, Miles, Jackson, Lucas, Mason, Olivia, Bella, Linda and all the Friends of Karen children

We are thankful for love, love, love