We Are Thankful!

Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: November 2023

Gratitude is a state of mind here in the mountains.  Those of us lucky enough to visit or call this place home are thankful for the loving community, natural beauty, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, amazing vistas, and the splendor of the changing seasons. Thanksgiving is a natural time to dive deep and recognize- all our blessings so we reached out to discover the many things we’re grateful for.

Mary Jane aMcCall

As for this writer, I am thankful for the natural beauty, for good friends and neighbors, a wonderful son, great fur companions, and all the smiling, helpful faces that greet me throughout town.  I’m also especially grateful for local medical and veterinary care and those compassionate individuals who hold our hands and our hearts through thick and thin. Oh, and chocolate, I’m truly thankful for chocolate.

Jim Hill and his wife Karen visited Highlands celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and shared that they are grateful for that union, and their wonderful daughters, grandchildren and son-in-law. Jim’s grandfather, Felix Grundy Hill, was born here and taught him what it means to be a husband, father and grandfather and Jim wanted to see the place that was the original source of that wisdom.  (Jim is the great-great grandson of Highlands’ first mayor, Stanhope Hill.)

Left to Right:
Carly Williams holding baby Taylor Williams, Reilynn Williams, and Braylee Williams.

Carly Williams says she is thankful for a healthy family, fresh mountain air to breathe, and holiday foods and traditions.  Her daughter, Braylee, is thankful for her baby sister, her family and her teachers.   Younger daughter, Reilynn is thankful for Mommy, Daddy, Baby Taylor, Braylee, Lucy the cat and playgrounds.

Ken and Carol Holland, part-time residents, are thankful to have a home in this historical, beautiful town, for all the well-kept history, and for all the fresh air on the mountain.

Monica Vinson

Monica Vinson is thankful for unconditional love, uncontrollable laughter, daily blessings, weekends, and raw cookie dough.

Candi Allen is thankful to live in such a naturally beautiful place surrounded by amazing family and friends. Her daughter, Kimber, is thankful for family because they always support and care for her no matter what, and for her dogs because they bring so much joy and love to her life.

Greg Demonet is grateful for a great family and good job.  

Duane McHan echoes thankfulness for having a large family close by, his children and grandkids, and for having a great place to work and great people to work with.  

Paula Ho is grateful for Highlands-Cashiers Hospital providing her with the resources necessary to provide quality nursing care in the ED. (These three form part of the caring team of nurses in the Emergency Department at the H-C Hospital.)

Tammy Lowe is thankful for family and friends, children who love to learn and a magnificent Plateau to live on.