Thankful For My American Dream

I love the story of Thanksgiving...  I cherish it because our forefathers had determination and vision. They didn't give up when all the odds seemed to be against them. The pilgrims stopped to celebrate their achievement and they gave thanks for all their blessings.

As a Realtor in Barrington, a mother and a wife, it is clear to me that the roots of home ownership are linked all the way back to the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock. They sailed the Atlantic with a purpose, they were looking for a new home and freedom.

Fast forward to 2011; I realize we are all suffering in some way or another in this "new normal". Yet, I still believe in "The American Dream" and that it can be a reality.

As a member of the Barrington community, my number one concern is to protect our right to home ownership! 365 days a year, I am here to protect our rights to preserve home ownership, we must not give up the dream!

Here are just a few interesting facts discovered by a survey conducted by Meridith Corporation:

• 86 % of homeowners polled still feel owning a home was a good investment.
• 85 % say they feel, “owning a home is one of their proudest accomplishments.”
• Of Americans that don’t currently own a home, 69 % agree, “No matter what happens in the U.S. housing market, owning a home is still an important goal in my life
• ”Read the survey from Meridith on homeowners attitudes and behaviors..

So, with the last Thursday of November just a mere 26 hours away, I'd like to remind you of the first Thanksgiving....

The Pilgrims sailed from England, landed on Plymouth rock and struggled for over two months to barely survive their first winter. With the help of Squanto and the friendly Wampanoag tribes, they were taught to hunt the local fish and game and to plant corn and squash. The native Americans also protected the Pilgrims from other hostile tribes.

The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was held to celebrate a bountiful harvest with the tribe that helped make it possible.

This statement was stated so simply and eloquently by H.U. Westermayer;

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts.  No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving."

His words are so visual to me.

Now, I ask that you take a moment to thank your family and friends. Take another moment to thank all who came before us;  And I am truly, humbly and forever full of Thanksgiving....everyday.

Cheers!