Your view: Giving thanks

Our family was looking back over the years and giving thanks for things that we were thankful for through the years. We began to remember the year 2000 when tragedy tore our lives apart. Many of you friends, neighbors and family showed us the true meaning of "friends."

My wife's father, Carl Moore, had passed from this life on Feb. 7, 2000. He was a great man and such an inspiration to all who knew him. He had worked for Earl Jarvis for 12 years as one of his head mechanics in the 1950s and 1960s.

Then July 29, 2001, our world came crashing down again as our business, "Martin's Cabinets" was struck by lightning and we lost our whole business. The firefighters from Morehouse, Sikeston, Miner, New Madrid and three other towns fought so hard to save it, but it was not meant to be.

It was through this time of sorrow and tragedy that people began coming to our aid.

Ronnie Appleton, a great friend, opened his own garage and let us work there. He even loaned us his personal tools, for which I am forever thankful. He is a great person in my eyes. Also, the city of Morehouse worked so hard to raise money and help us with expenses that were coming in and we had no way to meet them. Thank you to all our friends and neighbors of Morehouse.

There were also the churches. Christian Tabernacle and Pastor McDougal was by our side in their giving and with their prayers most of all, just being there for us to lean on.

The First Pentecostal Church of Morehouse, the Rev. Nathaniel Lewis and his wife, Evelyn Lewis, for their prayers and words of encouragement and all the churches of Sikeston and surrounding areas for your prayers and thoughtfulness.

Special thanks to the friends who worked with my wife at Heritage Homes in Sikeston for your gift of giving.

To all my business associates, whom I won't name for fear of missing someone, but you know who you are. My God's richest blessings fill each and every one of your lives to the fullest.

Then came Sept. 11, 2001, when yet again tragedy struck our nation. Once again, people pulled together and we turned to each other, but most of all, to God. Yes, it was a year full of tragedy but I am thankful for all of you. Just knowing there are still true friends you can count on in time of trouble and most of all for the blessings of our heavenly Father who heals and binds our hurts and will never forsake us.

Our deepest, sincere thanks,

Martin's Cabinets and family