People and things to be thankful for
- Admin
- 45 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Guam is not for everyone. No place is a winner for all people. Although I liked experiencing all four seasons on both coasts, I prefer Guam. After a while, the beautiful snow isn’t so delightful. Coats and boots are fun initially but then they become heavy. Still, I do miss autumn. I love the falling leaves and the gorgeous colors that paint the horizon.
But I love Guam’s colors more. The puffy white clouds, blue skies, pink and orange sunrises, purple and marigold sunsets, aqua waters, flowers everywhere and the vibrant rainbows.
Beauty surrounds us.
We give thanks.
Like anywhere, there is always room for improvement.
While many buildings require serious water blasting, others are being cleaned up. Paint jobs and bold signs welcome all around.
Dr. Joleen Aguon, CEO of Guam Memorial Hospital, has shared progress in cleaning up our hospital and explained why water blasting cannot occur until infrastructure issues are addressed.
We give thanks.
While some offshore vendors still won’t ship to Guam, many do. You may just need to clarify that the USPS delivers mail daily and that Guam is part of the United States. Mail carriers like Pete Uncangco and Lionel Camacho are efficient, reliable and happy to deliver with a smile.
We give thanks.
If you don’t like seeing the same people frequently, Guam is not for you. Proximity can be challenging, but for many of us, it’s a way to keep in touch with friends and family. It certainly is a support system. It’s always nice when someone taps you on the shoulder and says hi. I’m at the age where I ask them to help me remember. And they do.
We give thanks.
We know the 144,000 people who have relocated—for a variety of reasons—miss this familiarity. The gatherings, events and celebrations they organize across the nation are awesome. They celebrate the Hafa Adai spirit with food, music, dance and creations as they draw on their memories of being here at home. They are all Guam ambassadors.
We give thanks.
Our public school system, including the charter academies, has challenges, for sure. More challenges will be highlighted as a teacher shortage looms. But the pride that emanates from each school is strong and fierce. Learning communities know their students, families and colleagues. The Guam Trades Academy, the University of Guam and Guam Community College have built many futures for us.
We give thanks.
As we watch huge stores going up, we wonder about the supply chain. It's exciting to see businesses have faith, hope and love within our community.
We give thanks.
We acknowledge the businesses that figured out how to keep their operations going, particularly with the pandemic, Typhoon Mawar and the consequences of those occurrences. For those who did all they could but needed to make the best decisions for their companies, we wish you the best. You will always be a part of our story.
We give thanks.
Many incredible Guam geniuses have put the island on the map, excelling in various fields such as athletics, scientific discoveries, dance performances, music productions, international partnerships and military achievements. The Guam persona is a very special type. With support, mentorship and opportunities, Guam is at the top of the world.
We give thanks.
We have welcomed many families, and their diversity enriches us. While there is great room for improvement in supporting, respecting and understanding how to better work together, progress is being made. The Home of the Titans recently focused on strengthening that partnership. John Howard is a community leader whose heart and intellect guide many to focus and help.
We give thanks.
Public service is not for the faint of heart. Police, firefighters, office holders and government workers—each strengthens our quality of life. We are grateful to the Guam Solid Waste Authority crews who collect our trash.
We give thanks.
Keynoting the Veteran’s Day last month, Chief MSgt. JQ Quinata spoke of those who answer the call of duty—the ordinary people who serve and sacrifice. Soldiers and their families are extraordinary people. Because of them, we can.
Eric gives gifts of love. Out of nowhere, he said, “Thank you so much. Greatly appreciate it.” Wow! Never saw that coming. My heart smiled.
We give thanks.
Aline Yamashita is a mom, a teacher and former senator. She served in the 31st and 32nd Guam Legislatures. Send feedback to
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