Oct 31, 2024
Bakersfield has been the perfect place to raise a family. All three of my children excelled and graduated from Liberty High School. Our family became connected to the community through sports, nonprofits, bunco groups, MOPS, jobs, and so many fundraising opportunities. Bakersfield has to be one of the most generous cities I have ever experienced. People really take care of each other here. My heart is full of gratitude for this place and all the people that helped me raise my babies to be on successful paths. It really does take a village, and I am thankful for mine.
A heart of gratitude is definitely one that is practiced through service and kindness. As moms we try to remind our children how much they have to be thankful for, especially during this time of year. KCFM wanted to know what our readers thoughts on this topic, so we published some of your feedback in the article, “Readers Respond: How are You Teaching Gratitude and Kindness?” on page 10. Most of the responses featured acts of service, being mindful, and looking for ways to help those in need.
Veterans Day is a special opportunity to honor and thank those who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom. Callie Collins writes in the article, “Five Ways to Honor Veterans,” on page 20, to reach out to local Veterans organizations to see what ways we can help. Her other tips include a more personalized approach where you take time to listen. My 96-year-old father is a retired Air Force veteran and I know that his favorite pastime is to recount stories about the service to younger generations; so find someone to listen to where you can learn from them about a bygone era.
This month’s happy mama has a unique position where she works with California Cadet Corps. In the article, “Hello, Happy (Community-Minded) Mama – Lani Cahill,” on page 12, Callie Collins writes about Lani’s passion for youth and military service. As a daughter of a retired Air Force Colonel, Lani loves helping these cadets learn the necessary traits to become tomorrow’s leaders. With her husband Shaun, and two daughters, her family is making a difference in this community.
One fun way to spend time together this Holiday Season is through the magic of make believe. In Julie Willis’s Humor at Home article, “Dragon’s Homemade Sword: A Fairy Tale for Older Children,” she likes to tell stories to her children where their antics and personalities are described using fire-breathing dragons, swords, knights, battles, and beautiful princesses. To read her most recent harrowing tale, turn to page 18.
Twenty years living here went by so fast. Although there are too many memories to recount, the one thing that always stayed the same through all this time was support from the Bakersfield community and its acts of kindness. We are lucky to have such a special place to call home. This Thanksgiving I am grateful for so much, including the KCFM readers who are always so supportive.
Happy Turkey Day!
