I amthankful I amgrateful I amblessed

As Leisure Worlders prepare to turn the page on another year and usher in the new one, Thanksgiving invites the opportunity to pause and reflect on the year gone by, taking time to give thanks for the things in life that mean the most.

I am thankful for the gym where I can, hopefully, increase my muscle strength as I quickly approach 80. Also the LW Library where the individual staff members provide recommendations about books I may enjoy, and fun conversations with each visit as we laugh over the latest jokes at the checkout counter. And don’t forget the plants and trees throughout Leisure World which provide calmness as I bicycle to the gym and library.

—Margaret Majsa, Mutual 4

At our age, we still love that we live in this dimension and still have Jesus as Lord. We love Thanksgiving to remind us of our founders, their thanks, our travel from World War II years to meet each other in 1980 and to blend our 44th anniversary with a Thanksgiving blessing from a daughter who will honor us with a Thanksgiving brunch.

—Kenneth Glenn Koons and Katy Koons, Mutual 15 We’re thankful for living in Leisure World Seal Beach! It may not be for everybody but we love living here are thankful for our neighbors and everyone who works hard keeping this place running and safe!

—John and Marie Thompson, Mutual 10 I am so grateful for the simple gift of friendship. My family and friends put their lives on hold at a moment’s notice. Life can change in a second; mine did earlier this year when I had a medical emergency. My family and friends were present with me each step of the way throughout my recovery. Every day I was in the hospital, they were there, I was never left alone to try and listen to the doctors or try and figure out what the day may hold. Char’s Angel’s, as they were called, were always present. Char’s Angels put ice on my head (helped with the pain) and dark sunglasses on my face to keep the light away. As I recovered, we played Yahtzee and games to fight the boredom and tried different food to whet my appetite, again Char’s Angels to the rescue.

So remember to be thankful for your friends and family this holiday season and tell them how special they are to you.

Love to Char’s Angels!

—Charlotte Cone, Mutual 6

As new residents who moved here in June, we are thankful that the Lord has led us to this beautiful community which is close to our families and has wonderful weather. We appreciate the leaders of our Mutual 7 who have helped us to settle in.

There are many great aspects of our life here, one of the best parts is having the care of Dr. Sullyvan Tang, who is our dedicated family doctor.

—Dan and Margaret Moon, Mutual 7 Thankful for another year of being alive and well in Leisure World. It’s been a great year with friends in my hood.

—Nancy Randall, Mutual 9

I’m thankful for having a Lab Corp on the campus. So helpful!

—Andree Coleman, Mutual 1

I’m grateful to be living here in Leisure World where every day offers beauty and challenges. I’m grateful for the LW Women’s Golf Club where we have a tournament every Tuesday on our beautiful LW Turtle Lake Golf Course and I am grateful for the ladies I golf with. I am grateful to have Dave Laascia as my life partner as well as my golf partner in Guys and Gals Golf Tournaments. I am grateful to all the Men’s and Women’s Golf Club members who make our clubs possible by contributing so much effort and hours of their time to keep the clubs running smoothly. I am grateful for the musical entertainment in Leisure World: Dancers & Mixers, Karaoke, Doo Wop, The Entertainers, Velvetones, Cabaret Club, Song Birdz and Seldom Herd. I am forever grateful for my health, family and friends.

—Liz Meripol, Mutual 17

Happy Thanksgiving LW. I’m grateful for my ukulele teacher who is from Hawaii in Clubhouse 1 every Wednesday.

Not only is he a genius and Hawaiian local like myself, all the people in class are amazing and so friendly and welcome me, a new property owner. —Diane Elizabeth Patalano-Ragan, Mutual 2 First of all, I’m thankful for living here in Leisure World Seal Beach where I feel safe and I love my new home! I’m meeting many people that I otherwise would not get to know.

We’re all in the same boat with aging issues. I now am a frequent user of our bus system, especially Access and the City of Seal Beach Senior Transportation Shuttle that takes me on my weekly trek to Ralphs and beyond! William is a treasure as he helps everyone on and off the bus with packages, walkers, and my little red cart.

As a huge community of elderly people, LW provides many interesting topics from speakers. I’ve discovered the Impaired Vision and Hearing Club that now provides captions that enable me to “hear” what everyone is saying. Captions are my biggest “thankful” attraction for me and maybe you, too!

—Gail Morrison, Mutual 2

I’m thankful for our Rainbow Community that is inclusive and welcomes our LGBTQ+ friends and families.

—Geneva Potepan, Mutual 8

Twenty years ago I was diagnosed with an eye disease. It wasn’t until June of this year that Dr. Herzog replaced my cornea, and I am so thankful he put 16 stitches in my eye; I still have 14. I am thankful for the prayers of my family, friends, and even unknowns, who supported me and loved me through it. Thanks to the Lord, who gave me courage, when I had none, “When I am weak, he is strong.” Forever grateful.

— Christine Bird, Mutual 5 I am so thankful for our swim leaders, Joyce and Jeanne—who are there every morning except Sunday—at 8:30 to lead us through swim aerobics. I am also very thankful for the many friends I’ve made in that exercise circle, and of course, who can forget our Cabana Boy, Roman. He is always taking care of us and the pool area. Many thanks to you all!

—Sylvia Schiada, Mutual 1

My beautiful mother Delores (Dee) was a blessing to our family. She was the glue who kept us all together and she was amazing, beautiful, loving, and kind to all those whom she touched in her life with her charisma, faith and love for her Lord and Savior.

Mom passed away at age of 87. She fought the good fight. Mom thank you for your legacy you’ve left us. We’re all going to miss you very much.

—Georgina Armagost, Mutual 10