By Lori Leath Smith, Publisher
“Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
— Charles Dickens
A sunset over the Bay; schools where parents are involved and teachers are impeccable; community parks with so much to offer; a business community based on relationships and trust—these are just a few of the positive highlights in our community!
Each year, Destin Life asks, “What are your thankful for?” and offers readers the opportunity to express appreciation for the people and things in their lives. Indeed, there is so much to be grateful for!
As you gather to celebrate this Thanksgiving, resolve to make it more than a reason to take a day off, eat some great food or watch a football game. Make it a time of counting your blessings. After all, the Pilgrims founded our nation on thankfulness and, instead of focusing on their losses, they chose to offer thanks for all their blessings.
As your publisher, I’m thankful for so many reasons. But one thing is certain—I’m grateful for this community of friends and colleagues who, with compassion and caring, support and patience, have come alongside me and my family as we continue to navigate through the tragic passing of my nephew—our beloved Wesley Turpin. It is truly comforting and blessed, and we cherish all of you. I’m also thankful for our partners and readers. It’s your voices and your continued support that make this publication popular and valuable.
— Lori Leath Smith, Life Media Group
Although there are so many reasons to feel and be thankful, my list begins with family. God has truly blessed me with an amazing family which, by the way, keeps on growing ☺. After that what comes to mind is how fortunate and thankful I am to live here in this beautiful slice of heaven, to do the work I do with Life Media, and for good health, which we can never take for granted. And, above all for Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior without who none of this would be possible. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
— Scott Miller, Director of Sales and Advertising, Life Media Group
I’m thankful to be able to work in the arts. I believe a vibrant arts scene is key to a destination’s Quality of Place and it’s rewarding to me to play a small part.
— Zandra Wolfgram, Director of Marketing & Communications, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation & Sinfonia Gulf Coast
I am thankful for my beautiful, and equally brilliant wife, Laura, the incredible love we share and the beauty of being in love with my best friend. I am also immensely thankful for my parents, siblings, and especially my three children and the close relationship we all have, as well as the opportunity to share in each of their incredible journeys as young adults making their way in the world and doing so with a positive outlook and a friendly smile, to share with all around them. I am also so thankful for my and Laura’s close group of friends who have been beside us since our very first date and continue to enrich our lives in a way that makes them all more like family than friends. You know who you are—we love you! Lastly, I am thankful for the opportunity and God given privilege to live, love, believe, create, worship, work, and speak –largely without persecution– in a state where freedom still matters, but morals, love, and our fellow citizens and neighbors do too.
— Will Estell, Estell Hussey Media LLC/Century 21 AllPoints Realty/ NAVARRE BEACH Magazine
I am ever so thankful for my locals’ Facebook group of six years, at www.Facebook.com/groups/Destinties. The helpfulness which members continue to show each other and blessings they bring to me personally day to day are unprecedented.
— Patricia Lee
I am thankful for the incredible blessings in my life: my family, who bring a special joy to my days; my role as a pastor, where I have the privilege of uniquely sharing my faith; and my community involvement, where I can influence others positively. Above all, I am thankful for God’s unwavering grace, which guides me through my every endeavor.
— Pastor “Doc” Doug Stauffer
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