Danette Goulet -- Editor’s notebook

Letters from readers arrive at our office each week. My favorites, bar

none, are letters from our future readers -- their letters to Santa and

the letters telling us what they are thankful for.

This year, I think we’re all taking Thanksgiving much more to heart

than ever before. This year it is not just a day off to eat turkey, but

also a day of reflection. Children’s letters show us that. Never before

have I noticed children listing America, or “my country” among those

things for which they give thanks.

“I am thankful that I can go to school and don’t have to hide my face

under a shield and a veil,” wrote a third-grade girl. “I am also glad

that our country has realized just how much we depend on each other.”

Another child, Olivia, wrote “I am thankful for the people who helped

on Sept. 11th. I am thankful that the war on terrorism is almost over and

we will come to peace.”

I hope she’s right.

In the past I have not stopped to think, past my family and friends,

what I am thankful for.

So I thought I’d follow the children’s example.

I too am thankful to have been born here in the United States, with

all it’s freedoms, which we often take for granted.

I’m thankful to have been born into a loving albeit crazy family. I am

thankful to have them, and yet so thankful to have struck out on my own

and live here in Huntington Beach.

I am thankful for all the things that make Surf City what it is.

That means being thankful for all of you -- our readers and our

community leaders. I may not always agree with them, but they care enough

to put in the time (especially at those City Council and school board

meetings -- that’s dedication.)

I’m thankful for the waves I surf at Bolsa Chica and those I’m too

green to ride yet at the pier.

I’m thankful for those extra lanes they created on Pacific Coast

Highway Downtown. I’m thankful for Dog Beach and the instant smile it

brings to my face as I picture my dog Bandit tearing across it.

I’m thankful I managed to find a place to live with a dog -- no easy

task.

I’m thankful for community centers where you can take tennis lessons

for a mere $35.

I’m thankful for the House of Brews, where they have pool tables, huge

TVs to watch football on and bartenders who take the time to know you.

I’m thankful for Home Depot, not just for all the good it does in the

community, but because I can spend hours there.

I’m thankful that if I’m hungry the Harbour House is open.

I’m thankful for all the committees and city employees who work to

make Huntington a great place to live and play. I’m grateful for the

police who keep us safe (even if they do give out tickets) and the

firefighters and paramedics ready to respond at a moments notice.

And let’s not forget the lifeguards who patrol our shores -- and just

happen to be easy on eyes.

You know, I could go on for a long time, but I think you get the gist.

From the intangible ideals this country stands for to the simple pleasure

life affords -- let’s be thankful for it all.

* DANETTE GOULET is the assistant city editor. She can be reached at

(714) 965-7170 or by e-mail at o7 danette.goulet@latimes.comf7 .