Letters to the Editor

Bourne with an Opinion

Holidays good time for saying thanks to those who help most

By Jason Bourne
Staff writer

Since we are now in the holiday season, I decided to take the opportunity to thank those people who have helped me get to where I am today.

First of all, I would like to thank my parents. Without them loving and supporting me continuously and encouraging me to strive for the best during my lifetime, I would obviously not be in my third year at Georgia Highlands College. They have also been there when I have been discouraged about being in a wheelchair. I just want them to know how much I appreciate and love them.

I would also like to thank my grandparents and the rest of my family. I am so blessed to be in such a loving family that encourages me to be the best I can be and to not give up on my dreams. My grandparents have loved me and have been there when I have been sad about things. I love them tremendously for that. I would not trade them for anything in the world.

Although I do not see my aunts, uncles and cousins as often as I would like, I know I can email them or write them and they will be there for me. I want to thank them for sticking by me although we rarely see each other.

One of the big reasons I am alive today is the team of doctors that has taken care of my health from day one. I was born with a condition known as Spina Bifida, which is the reason I am confined to a wheelchair. My doctors have made sure I am in the best health possible and I cannot express how much they mean to me.

One of the main reasons I am in my third year at Floyd is Mrs. Carolyn Parks, director of the Cartersville Campus.

She has been more than a counselor; she has been a true friend to me at Floyd. She has always been helpful if I had trouble with anything about my classes or anything dealing with the handicapped issues of the college. I just want to say how much she means to me and I can honestly say I will always remember her.

My friends at Floyd have also stood by my side through a lot of hard times and a lot of good times. Whenever I am stressed or just need a friend to talk to, I can always count on one of them to come save the day. I want them to know I appreciate them very much and I will be there for them if they need me.

But without a doubt, the biggest reason I am alive today is because of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I was saved about eight years ago and that was the most important and best decision I have ever made. I am so thankful that I have a loving God that died on the cross to wash away my sins so that I can have everlasting life in Heaven, beside Him.

So as I close, let me say that the holidays are more than eating three platefuls of turkey, dressing, ham, yams and hot buttered rolls and opening presents under the tree on Christmas morning. The holidays are a time to spend time with and give thanks to all of those who mean the most to us.