This Thanksgiving, I am thankful.

I am thankful for the United States of America that welcomed my grandparents 100 years ago. Because they were welcomed, I am here, and able to build a life that allows me, my husband, my children and grandchildren to live freely.

I am thankful for the people who fought to allow Eastern European refugees to come to our shores. Because of them, we have had the privilege of receiving the work and wisdom of Albert Einstein and Madeline Albright.

I am thankful for the country that welcomed Marco Rubio’s parents, and Donald Trump’s mother, allowing the son of Cuban immigrants and the son of an Irish immigrant, to aspire to our country’s highest office.

I am thankful for the people who allowed Armenian refugees into our country. Because of them, we have the largest company in the world, Apple, which revolutionized electronics and was founded by Steve Jobs.

I am thankful for the officials who work to ensure that each person who comes to our shores is properly vetted, and for those in our military and police who defend the United States against those who seek to harm us.

I am thankful for a country that protects its citizens – and protects the values that have made our country the reason so many want to come here. 

And I am thankful for you, whether you work for, volunteer for, or sit on the board of a nonprofit. You deliver your mission by looking beyond the risks of today so you can create the future in which we all want to live.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?