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Kenneth and Andrea: A Thanksgiving Story

“Thank you for making sure that we always had
a home for the holidays.”

Last year, for the first time in 10 years, “Kenneth” and “Andrea” (not their real names) didn’t come home for Thanksgiving. The brother and sister, now 28 and 29 years old, had joined us every Thanksgiving since they graduated from high school…went through college…and began their working lives. Every year, we hosted a special get-together just for our College and Career students. The cottage family prepared every child’s favorite dishes…and baked each one a special pie to take home – and Kenneth and Andrea wouldn’t miss it for the world. When Kenneth gave his college graduation speech, he told us:

“Thank you for making sure that we always had a home for the holidays.”

For over four years, Kenneth brought his girlfriend, “Jennifer”…who became his fiancée…and, then, to our delight, he brought her as his new wife. Then – last year, the couple decided to start their own Thanksgiving tradition, to cook for their new family, and when we asked what they were cooking, Kenneth answered,

“We’re cooking everything you cooked for Thanksgiving!”

When Kenneth stopped by a few weeks ago, he shared the news that he was applying to nursing school – a career change from his successful job in retail over the past few years. He has always wanted to give back – to help others. Now is his chance. As we chatted about his life – and all for which he gave thanks – now that he is out on his own….we asked him what he needed, what he worried about…

His response was this – this young man from as difficult a path as any we have known:

“I worry about what I would do if something bad ever happened to me. I wonder if I would be able to handle it…since I have always been taken care of…
...since I have had such a good life.”

All those who heard his grateful words that day simply marveled -- as their eyes filled with tears!  What a tribute he is to all those who have helped to raise him from a small child to a successful, thankful young man.

If you want to be a part of the ongoing thanksgiving at Boys and Girls Country, make your gift now!

 
With your help, we can provide "a good life" to those following in Kenneth's and Andrea's footsteps -- all of our children who will learn more about being thankful this Thanksgiving! 

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To protect the privacy of our children and families, the real names and photos of our children have been changed. The story is true.