Happy Thanksgiving!

At this time of the year I’m eager to reflect on the things I’m grateful for and today, Thanksgiving, is no exception.

I’m familiar with the tradition that many people have of each guest offering individual thanks before taking part in the big meal. Unfortunately, I do not have that level of restraint when the aroma of all that delicious food floats over me. So, aside from one person offering thanks, we dig in.

But without the distraction of a table full of food, I am able to reflect on the many things I am grateful for.

Like many people, I am grateful for my family. We added a new member to the Goldsworthy clan this year when Tricia Dubin married my youngest son Danny. I will be honest – adding Tricia Goldsworthy to my address book has caused some confusion; one of my nieces is Prof. Patricia Goldsworthy – known to her family as Tricia Goldsworthy – and on more than one occasion I have sent texts to the wrong Tricia. Danny and “his Tricia” reside in Georgia not far from Moody Air Force Base where Danny is stationed.

My son Matthew is another who won’t be at the family table this year. He moved to North Carolina with the intention of going to school out there and is dearly missed here. He has a sense of humor that brings a smile to my face just by thinking of him. He is also kind and caring.

I do celebrate those who will be gathered at our table this year. My son Patrick and his beautiful wife Elizabeth and my wonderful granddaughter Ashlynn will be seated. Patrick and Elizabeth are strong individuals who have been married nearly a year and a half and have faced some daunting challenges. But they’ve remained a team and, because of that, have been able to surmount many of them.

My son Andrew – also known as “the chef” – will be helping me in the kitchen. I love how committed he is to his craft – cooking – and, selfishly, am delighted to benefit from that commitment. A couple of years ago, after cooking holiday meals for over 35 years, I let it be known that I was tired. Andy stepped up and, with the exception of times he had to work, has helped me in creating the meals that our family has come to expect. I am so grateful when I’m told to “get out of the kitchen, Mom – I have this.”

My husband Steve is our chief and it is because of his faith in me that the Crescenta Valley Weekly exists today. I often share the story of coming home after being laid off from the newspaper I previously worked for, the Crescenta Valley Sun, and telling Steve, “We need to start a newspaper.”

“Rob,” he answered, “we have enough money for a newspaper or a new kitchen – which will it be?” (Note that I still have the ugliest kitchen in La Crescenta but no doubt the best newspaper.)

Finally, it is the hard work and dedication of the staff of the CV Weekly that I am thankful for: my sales people Lisa Stanners and Sonya Marquez, my office manager Rachelle Miller, my design team Steve Hernandez and Matt Barger, my writers including Brandon Hensley, Vincent Page, Michael Dumansky, Sabrina Shelton, Julie “Bubbeleh” Butcher, Susan James, photographer Leonard Coutin, columnists Mike Lawler and Sue Kilpatrick, my proofreader Anne McNeill and our steadfast delivery people.

There are few words to describe my gratitude for Charly Shelton and Mary O’Keefe. They have been with me since day one when we sat around my dining room table with a crazy idea of putting out a weekly newspaper. They have been my sounding board and my strength.

This 10-year journey is successful because of the work and faith that many had in me over the years and I cannot ignore nor forget their contributions.

Finally, I am grateful for the Crescenta Valley Weekly readers, advertisers and supporters. Through their financial support and kind comments, I know that I’ve created something that is valued in my community, which was my intention all along.

  robin goldsworthy