New Lenox Says 'Thank You': 30 Days Of Gratitude

NEW LENOX, IL — This November, Patch is celebrating "30 Days of Gratitude," stories about living with gratitude — in simple terms, a deliberate choice to see the goodness and joy in your life and to wish the same for your neighbors.

Living with gratitude is a matter of continually counting one's blessings while at the same time recognizing that the source of goodness in one's life is other people.

Earlier this month, we asked people in Illinois to share who or what they were grateful for. Here's what your neighbors in New Lenox had to say.

I needed a driver up and back to Silver Cross for a set of injections for my back. My kids and spouses all have jobs and couldn’t just drop everything and take me. I’ve only lived in New Lenox for 4 years and made friends on my block and in my building. My neighbor offered to drive me on 3 separate occasions for my shots. She didn’t have to, as I had several offers from other friends to help. Since she was so close to where I live I decided to take her up on her offer. She is such a lovely person and kind and thoughtful. Thanks so much Norma Boyce ! (Did I mention she’s 92 and going strong?)

— Donna Fiore

This is to my husband Jason … THANK YOU for everything you do for Jakob, Delilah, Arya and myself. You Are Amazing!!!

— Jennifer Kojro-Badziak

Thank You Suzanne Marie for being an outstanding friend, and a wonderful Aunt!!!

— Jennifer Kojro-Badziak

Thank You Jakob for being the greatest son Mommy and Daddy could have ever asked for. We are incredibly proud of you! We Love You!!!

— Jennifer Kojro-Badziak

My name is Donna Leggero, I am a longtime New Lenox resident. I have two adult sons. My oldest son Anthony has intellectual disabilities and is a 2019 graduate of the Lincoln-Way Transition Program located in Lincoln-Way Central High School. Anthony had a wonderful experience in the Transition program. The teachers in the program were so great to Anthony and we still keep in touch. Our family will forever be grateful to them all for providing such a nurturing environment for my son to flourish in. Anthony aged out of the Transition program at the age of 22. Aging out of school can be a terrifying time for parents of special needs young adults. Your child goes from a school environment filled with structure, social time, and therapies to nothing. We were referred to Lincolnway Area Special Recreation Association for their Titans Adult Day Program. I was understandably nervous about trying something new and trusting others with my son. However, my fears were quickly laid to rest when Anthony began attending. He was happy to see some familiar faces of some of his Transition group peers. The program was just what Anthony needed. There are wonderful teachers and assistants whom Anthony considers his good friends. Even through the Covid lockdowns LWSRA tried to keep some programming available. For all of these reasons myself and my family will forever be grateful for everyone at LWSRA. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Saying thank you will never be enough for all you do for the special needs community in our area. I completely understand how few and far between great programs exist. As special needs parents you spend what seems like years battling insurance companies, doctors, school districts, etc. I have been shocked and pleasantly surprised at the ease of the past few years with both the Lincoln-Way Transition Program and Lincolnway Area Special Recreation Program. My family and I will forever be grateful to all the people who have worked hard to make this happen!

— Donna Leggero

Thanks for always helping and being here for me.

— Bobbi Walker

John and Jane Hayes are fantastic neighbors who are always here for me. Love ya, guys.

— Bobbi Walker

Patch's "30 Days Of Gratitude" is a series of articles exploring the intentionality of gratitude and featuring bits of wisdom from Patch readers. Come back to Across America Patch every day through November and read more.