Local leaders reflect on thankfulness
ALAMOGORDO — As Otero County residents sit down to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with their loved ones, local leaders are reflecting on what they are thankful for.
"What does Thanksgiving mean to me? That's really a simple question to answer," Mayor Richard Boss said. "It's a time to think about and be thankful for all the blessings we have received in our lives. I'm thankful for my God, my wife Kim, my children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, brother, sister and many friends."
Boss said he's also very thankful for service members, veterans, law enforcement and other first responders.
"And finally, I'm glad to live in Alamogordo, New Mexico, USA," he said. "I want to wish all the citizens of our beautiful city a wonderful Thanksgiving."
City Commissioner Nadia Sikes said she is thankful to be one of the lucky ones who had great parents, siblings and extended family.
"My education enabled me to enjoy a career that I loved and I currently do work that I care about, work for which I feel a passion," Sikes said. "I have friends who delight me, a husband who is supportive and loving, and I live in a community in which I experience kindness and see beauty every day. I am thankful every day – thankful that I have the opportunity to work with good, caring people, thankful that I have the advantage of access to good health care and plentiful amenities. I am grateful to our leaders who strive to make our world a better place. I am very grateful that the life I cherish and share with the people I love is so abundant."
Otero County Commissioner Lori Bies said she's incredibly thankful for her past, the good and the bad, as it shaped her and put her where she is today.
"I always say the things that make up your history, good and bad, make you who you are today, and if you are OK with yourself, they all happened for a purpose," Bies said. "That said, the present-day blessings in my life are abundant and too many to catalog here. I will share how thankful I am for all my friends, family, and those who believed and continue to believe in me. Without their strength, I couldn’t do the things I do with any confidence."
Bies said she is thankful for her new found abilities in music and for the family she was born to, and the family she has made for herself.
"I'm thankful for the family I have in those people who reset my heart and mind when needed, without question, and with all their hearts," Bies said. "Finally, I need to thank my mom and dad, my husband and my son – without their support, I couldn’t do all the things that bring me so much joy. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, I hope you have blessings in your life to be thankful for and can rejoice in their light this holiday season."