On Monday, December 15th, 2025, G.R.I.T. gathered for our 2nd annual celebration of the holiday season. The meeting opened with permitting ourselves to feel joy in the midst of a year of continued challenges to democracy and remembering to look for the light in the darkness. It continued with members sharing our gratitude for the year, before joyfully exchanging gifts. We share these moments of gratitude with you below.
I am grateful for:
“GRIT and Junction 361”
“My family – MY health”
“My grandchildren”
“Friends and Community. And Dogs!”
“Family and Friends who are light in the darkness, and for my parents who raised me without Racism or Prejustice and allowed me to grow up to know right from wrong and that True Patriotism must sometimes include Criticism seeking beneficial change for our nation and to live up to verbal Ideals.”
“For the children, who give me joy on a daily basis.”
“For my daily dog walks in Nature. Whether I am throwing sticks for Reggie, or having heart-to-heart talks with my husband, it keeps me anchored and in the present.”
“That I stumbled into this group back in February 2025! In a new move to NY, I found my tribe! Thank you.”
“For my child’s happiness.”
“To those around me without whom I doubt I would ever have seen a path forward. Thank you for your energy, thank you for your strong voices, thank you.”“For family, friends, heath, age, exercise, golf, my church, Patriots, garden, snow, birds, mountains, books, music- and all those who put up with me.”
“For a welcoming community I’ve found here in Fairport.”
“For this community of genuine people who encourage me to keep going and the patience to learn to knit and crochet for my sanity.”
“For the community of you…you give me energy in the darkest of moments.”
“For Freedom.”
“For friends and family. I live in safe Upstate NY, just snow! That I live in an enlightened community that included Susan B. Anthony, Fredrick Douglas, the Underground Railroad, as we carry on their legacy, purpose and stories.”
“For my family and all the blessings I’ve been givven- my home, my work, my health, and the opportunity to find joy in everyday experiences.”
“For the NO KINGS turnout.”
“To be with children everyday, who give me much more than I I give them.”
“For people- the connections, the conversations, and the kindness right when needed.”
“For the like-minded people in this community.”
“For my family-‘real’ one and the family where I live AND this caring ‘family’ of the wonderful GRIT group.”
“For a community that is welcoming, proactive, energizing, and just plain AWESOME!”
“For Community, Love, ART, Family, Friends, Health, Kids, Fun, COMEDY, GRIT, MUSIC, DANCE.”
“For the love in our hearts and the air we breath.”
“For my friendship with my mentor Tyler and the lessons he taught me that will be with me for the rest of my life. RIP <3”
“For the community we have built and the support and love we have provided for each other.”
“That many people are waking up! And I am obligated to help them!”
“For connections to creative, strong, involved humans & wine at Junction 361.”
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy