As November comes to an end, we find ourselves reminiscing on the year that was. The sun now sets before 6 p.m., nights are colder, and holiday decorations begin to glow in neighborhoods. With Thanksgiving leftovers still in the fridge, we are given a chance to pause and sink into the warmth of being around friends, family and home, remembering the love we’ve shared, the laughter we’ve shared, the good we carry in all our traditions.
We are filled, we are thankful for another year of joy — even through difficult or hardship, we grow, pushed, pulled, and reshaped by life.
I, myself, am so grateful for my daughter, my family and friends. With every new season in life, she continues to give me strength and purpose.
My friends remain at my side and help me grow as a mother, and introduced me to love life in ways I never thought I could. Finally, my coworkers continue to shape me and build me up — through sessions with classmates I’ve now grown so close to, and new friendships with coworkers who now feel like family.
Gratitude is a feeling we all share; we all carry it in different ways. We asked our community to share what they are thankful for in this year. Edgar Martinez, programs director of the Catholic Diocese of Laredo, shares, “I am deeply grateful for my wife, my family, and our moon drops, who all keep me smiling. Most of all, I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve my community in need of nourishment, sharing hope, kindness, and love.”
At our community centers, we spoke to Ali Manrique from South Texas Council. Says, “I am thankful for the leaders and volunteers who help the teens to believe in themselves and help them want to get where they want to go.
As November comes to an end, we find ourselves reminiscing on the year that was. The sun now sets before 6 p.m., nights are colder, and holiday decorations begin to glow in neighborhoods. With Thanksgiving leftovers still in the fridge, we are given a chance to pause and sink into the warmth of being around friends, family and home, remembering the love we’ve shared, the laughter we’ve shared, the good we carry in all our traditions.
We are filled, we are thankful for another year of joy — even through difficult or hardship, we grow, pushed, pulled, and reshaped by life.
My friends remain at my side and help me grow as a mother, and introduced me to love life in ways I never thought I could. Finally, my coworkers continue to shape me and build me up — through sessions with classmates I’ve now grown so close to, and new friendships with coworkers who now feel like family.
Gratitude is a feeling we all share; we all carry it in different ways. We asked our community to share what they are thankful for in this year. Edgar Martinez, programs director of the Catholic Diocese of Laredo, shares, “I am deeply grateful for my wife, my family, and our moon drops, who all keep me smiling. Most of all, I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve my community in need of nourishment, sharing hope, kindness, and love.”
At our community centers, we spoke to Ali Manrique from South Texas Council. Says, “I am thankful for the leaders and volunteers who help the teens to believe in themselves and help them want to get where they want to go. I am also thankful to have been able to serve our communities through all our Scouting programs.”
For many, this year has been one filled with love for family, health, laughter, and happiness. For others, it has been one filled with difficult lessons, heartache, trials, but always with hope and strength. Another community member Reyna Sampson said, “I am always thankful for God for many blessings for my family. I am also thankful that my family and the UPLAT web team of the Laredo Area United Way family.”
Gratitude extends out into our community director and general manager of South Texas Food Bank, “I am thankful for the support, love from the communities, and the great leadership from our board and beyond. The collective support and commitment we see every year reminds us that I am part of something greater, and together, we can achieve more than we can alone.”
Doctor Jude Franco says, “I am thankful for God and the life he has given me. For my family blessings for this new year and purpose. With him, I have it all.” Carolyn Semites, the president for United Way of Laredo, shared, “Thank you Heavenly Father for the dedicated staff of the United Way of Laredo — Sergio Duran, Nereida Luna Lozano and Elizabeth Zuniga. Their work is amazing and I appreciate the many things Alfredo Duran does. They guide me through my duties.”
I am also thankful to have been able to serve our communities through all our Scouting programs.”
For many, this year has been one filled with love for family, health, laughter, and happiness. For others, it has been one filled with difficult lessons, heartache, trials, but always with hope and strength. Another community member Reyna Sampson said, “I am always thankful for God for many blessings for my family. I am also thankful that my family and the UPLAT web team of the Laredo Area United Way family.”
Gratitude extends out into our community director and general manager of South Texas Food Bank, “I am thankful for the support, love from the communities, and the great leadership from our board and beyond. The collective support and commitment we see every year reminds us that I am part of something greater, and together, we can achieve more than we can alone.”
Doctor Jude Franco says, “I am thankful for God and the life he has given me. For my family blessings for this new year and purpose. With him, I have it all.” Carolyn Semites, the president for United Way of Laredo, shared, “Thank you Heavenly Father for the dedicated staff of the United Way of Laredo — Sergio Duran, Nereida Luna Lozano and Elizabeth Zuniga. Their work is amazing and I appreciate the many things Alfredo Duran does. They guide me through my duties.”
Karla Varela, it is always great to hear from you and your testimony. “I am thankful to our board members that guide us for forty odd years of service to the community.”
These messages of gratitude have echoed throughout the year as we approach the new year. This holiday season, I am blessed to be surrounded by love and together. I am reminded more than ever of the strength our community carries — and that gratitude lives in the simplest moments.
We are grateful for family, for friends, for our community and for the time spent with them. As we continue through this year and the blessings we’ve received throughout the remainder of this holiday season, I hope we can all take a moment to slow down and appreciate all the good that surrounds us. Whether our blessings be spoken or unspoken, they matter. Thanksgiving is not just meant for food and thanks — it is a practice that makes our hardships lighter through all our obstacles, and turns those into learning moments and lets us enjoy the simple joys in life.
Another concluded, gratitude is truly the best attitude to carry as we conclude the fall and enter the winter. Reminder to take the following reminders this month to next year.
Thanksgiving and holiday cheer is the best when we are surrounded by those we love.
Mark Your Calendars — LAREDO PHILHARMONIC: THE SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
Dec. 7 at the LISD Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 for an adult and $5 for students/seniors.
For more information, or to visit the website: laredophilharmonic.org
CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER’S 28TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Laredo-Webb County board of directors cordially invites you to their Christmas Toy Tea. On Dec. 10 from 6–8 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, 1602 Garcia St., Apt. 9.
For more information, visit them on Facebook or at www.caclaredo.org
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA: LAREDO
Wreaths Across America’s mission is to remember the fallen veterans who have served and whom we’ve lost. The ceremony will be held this year on Dec. 14 beginning at 11 a.m.
The receiving of the wreath for the fallen of Laredo will be placed in the blue bin for those who want to participate.
UNITED WAY OF LAREDO: POP-UP CHRISTMAS FEST
Join the United Way of Laredo for their pop-up Christmas Fest at The Outlet Shop of Laredo!
The Fest will be on Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free for all members.
There will be music, choirs, carolers, markets and more for families who want to shine this season! The fee is $50 and all proceeds will be donated to the United Way of Laredo for their programs in our community. If you are ready to reach your business, reach holiday shoppers, and give back — this is your moment!
The event will include local small businesses, all placed at the Outlet Shops of Laredo in partnership with vendors in Laredo for farmers market. For more information and inquiries for vendors email lmaldonado@unitedwaylaredo.org.
VITA VOLUNTEERS: CATHOLIC CHARITIES & UNITED WAY OF LAREDO
Catholic Charities and United Way are partnering to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for the upcoming tax season. If you are interested in becoming a certified volunteer for the VITA program, please contact Edgar Martinez at Catholic Charities, 956-722-2443, or Elizabeth Luna, 956-723-9313, by Dec. 17 to register for the trainings. For more information on the different roles available, visit www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers.
Karla Varela, United Way of Laredo
Karla Varela for United Way of Laredo
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