of the many things I have to be thankful for, I realise I am truly blessed with each day.

As I awake each morning I am grateful for the gift of life, health and happiness that God has given me. This is how I sum up what the word THANKFUL means to me.

"T'' is for the time people give up for me, teachers who provide me with an education and for the trust that my family and friends have in me.

"H'' is for the happiness in my life, and health, which gives me the ability to do all the things I want to do such as recreational activities. It also stands for the hope for my future and the help that people lend to me.

"A'' for affection received by those who care for me, my ability to learn, read and write and my attentiveness towards others.

"N'' represents the beautiful nature that surrounds me, the neighbours who are there for me in times of need, and the people who take time to notice my achievements.

"K'' stands for the knowledge I have been given and the kindness shown by loved ones.

"F'' is for my family, friends and faith in God, and the freedom to make choices through everyday life experiences.

"U'' is for my uniqueness, which makes me who I am, unity amongst others around me, and the universe in which we live in.

"L'' symbolises my life, which is the most precious gift of all, and the love I feel for those dear to me, who in turn love me for who I am. It also represents leaders who help direct us in choosing the right path.

This is what the word "THANKFUL'' means to me. There are so many other things that I am thankful for, but it would take me more than five hundred words to explain why each of them makes me so grateful. This is why I am thankful.

*** LAUREN PURVEY - Mount St. Agnes