Intriguing times are sweeping through our nation and Hawaii — but in the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s pause to reflect on blessings. Here’s a collection of readers’ thoughts.

Dad’s comfort, soul food

My late Dad’s kaukau tin has been the centerpiece for our Thanksgiving dinner table. It’s an endearing heirloom that reminds us to be thankful for all that we already have.

Dad’s meals were simple but hearty, spiced with his ability to make everyone feel special. His grandchildren lamented: “No one can make rice balls like Grandpa did!”

Dad scooped a handful of cooked rice, sprinkled a dash of salt, and tenderly rolled/massaged the rice while each child watched its magical transformation. Each rice ball became a gift to behold and savor.

Dad’s hospitality nourished our souls as well. Comfort food — colorful and soulful memories served in a dull gray aluminum kaukau tin. We are abundantly blessed.

Bobbie Pidot-Guffey

Kaneohe

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People keep isles special

So many changes to the Honolulu of not-so-many years ago: the glass towers disrupting mauka views, the intrusive columns of the rail, the open atmospheric restaurants replaced by enclosed glossy interiors with pricey menus. We all know what we have lost.

But in spite of all there is to be grumpy about, I know I am grateful for the people I meet who do their everyday jobs with a smile and good cheer: The postal clerks at my local post office who advise the best mailing options. My mail carrier who leaves packages at my back door. The teacher who stays after school to console an unhappy child. The newspaper carrier deliveries to my front door. The neighbor who moves my heavy trash can. The traditional greeting of a hug and a cheek kiss that is never interpreted as sexual harassment.

YES, I am grateful for the people of Hawaii for all they do to make life a little easier. Their spirit is why Hawaii is a special place despite all of the changes. Thank you. Mahalo. Aloha.

Marianne Au

Waialae-Kahala

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Many blessings in Hawaii

I’m thankful that when I wake up in the morning, I can humbly thank my Maker for my grandparents’ decision to live in the greatest place on Earth.

I’m thankful that my grandparents, unlike the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth, chose to live in Hawaii. Although they suffered the stigma of being Japanese during World War II, they persevered and endured being loyal U.S. citizens. I’m thankful for their faithfulness.

I’m grateful that I have learned to be content with whatever I have. No matter how tough things may be, I’ll always have something to be thankful for. I’m blessed with a loving wife, family, friends and a church to be able to worship freely in.

I’m thankful to be able to play songs of Thanksgiving and praise on my Eb tuba in my church band.

I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to share my reasons for being thankful on Thanksgiving 2017.

Stanford Kanehiro

Ala Wai/Waikiki

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Much love for Mondo

I am thankful for my little Chihuahua-mix dog named “Mondo.” He appeared in my securely fenced yard one early morning in late October three years ago and he has been my constant companion ever since.

Mondo never complains and always listens to me in good times and bad, and when I look at him and pet him, he keeps me sane in this oftentimes insane world.

I love him very much and am very thankful he entered not only into my yard but into my heart.

Linda Hayashi

Pearl City

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Despite job loss, just thankful

I am thankful that after losing my full-time job of 26-1/2 years, I was able to find employment and, hopefully, it’ll be for just as long.

I am thankful that I collected unemployment for two weeks, because the state worker who handled my case was rude and crude as can be.

I am thankful that I gained two sons-in-law, after losing two aunties and one of them was killed.

I am thankful for the simpler things in life, glad to be around family and friends, and counting my lucky stars.

Donna Cadiente

Waipahu

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Volunteering helps overcome

I am thankful each day that I am up and about, especially after my heart trouble in late April.

It is a blessing that I even am able to do volunteer work as planned after my retirement. It is extra special because I get to volunteer for a program I believe in and with a group of wonderful people. It is true that when we are able to contribute or to extend a helping hand to others, we can easily forget our own trouble.

Volunteer, offer kindness and care to others, appreciate what we have; each day can be a beautiful day.

Maggie Leong

Makiki

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Truly blessed with his ‘sweetie’

One of the biggest blessings I’m thankful for is when I first met my favorite nurse, Carolyn M. Frank, at the REHAB Hospital in the summer of 1977. But the biggest blessing I’m thankful for is when Carolyn married me on March 15, 1986.

Having my sweetie in my life for over 31 years has been a real blessing. I like to refer to my wife, even with my doctor, as my medical technical adviser since there’s so much I don’t understand, but fortunately, my sweetie can break it down for me where I can understand what’s up.

She also has helped me with so many medical problems by doing research. Thank you, Carolyn, for being a blessing in my life all these years. And thank you for loving me even when I don’t deserve it. Remember I love you till the end of time.

Art Frank

Makaha

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Teachers grateful for students

Too often we find ourselves watching more news shows than needed and fretting over the politics of the day, hour and minute. This leaves one more stressed than usual. It is said that when we are in the space of gratitude, we look beyond ourselves and see the world in its generous glory.

Making a daily list of seven things that we are grateful for is a simple, effective and transformative exercise that could yield a multitude of benefits. As a class, we have embraced this exercise with full hearts and sincere intentions.

Luckily, we don’t need to look any farther than our classroom for the unlimited reasons to be grateful. When we look for every speck of growth, courage, responsibility, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, wondering, initiative and love that our students demonstrate, we are overcome with gratitude for this wonderful profession.

So, we want to say thank you to every student who has shown enthusiasm and initiative for learning. Thank you for respecting, understanding and showing compassion for your peers. Your contribution to our united school and classroom culture is definitely noticed and appreciated.

Stephanie Mew and Tyffiny Keliiaa

Kapunahala Elementary fourth-grade teachers

[Editor’s note: Following is a small sampling of charming essays from a few of Stephanie Mew and Tyffiny Keliiaa’s fourth-grade students.]

Family, friends, ‘silent sitting’

I’m thankful for family because without family there would be no support. My Mom and Dad always show their support by helping me with my homework and sports.

I’m thankful for my friends who play with and care about me. Without friends I would be lonely and have no one to play with. Life with friends is fun because they are there for you, care about you, and love you. For example, my friends always help me when I need help on hard work.

I’m also thankful for nature because nature gives you oxygen to breathe, and without nature I wouldn’t be alive. The best thing about nature is the mountains because they give us the beautiful view.

Finally, I’m thankful for my education because I love to learn new things. Teachers teach me important stuff. For example my teacher teaches me silent sitting so I can spread love to everyone I know.

Caitlyn Adams, age 9

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Parents share power of words

I am thankful for my parents because without them I will feel poor. With my parents I feel rich and courageous. When I think about them I think wow and cool! I am thankful for my parents because they read me stories like “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief” and “Harry Potter.”

I like it when my parents read me books because sometimes, I hear words I never ever heard before and that extends my vocabulary. My parents tell me encouraging words like you’re smart and you can do it. When they tell me those encouraging words, it makes me feel like I am stronger and can accomplish anything in the world.

Rush Kamakeeaina, age 9

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Ready to learn at super school

Kapunahala, thank you for being my school. I love going to this school. School is free and all I need to do is always be ready to learn. I am thankful that you provide the supplies that my classmates and I need. I am thankful for my teachers, who teach me to go inside my heart for five minutes and start my day with kindness and love.

I love that every day is a surprise. I can’t wait to see what I am going to learn. My school has fun activities such as Turkey Trot, Christmas program, Halloween Costume Contest, May Day and Fun Fair. Kapunahala makes me feel like I can do many things in the future, and I am so grateful.

Anabell Ohira, age 9