Mark Rogers: Finding something to be thankful for this holiday

I am thankful for my family. For a mother that loved me without condition and taught me that compassion is strength. I am thankful for a father who taught me responsibility and encouraged me to connect with my Native and African culture. I am thankful for my siblings, my aunts, uncles and my cousins who contributed to raising me through my life. When I think of how many people actually "parented" me through life, I am humbled and grateful.

I am thankful for all of the friends I have. They remind me that I am appreciated as a human being and that I need to have fun. They call me "Master" and "hero" because they know it embarrasses me even though I know their admiration and love is genuine. On my part, it is reciprocated. I consider my friends to be found treasures all and I wouldn't trade them for all the money in the world.

I am thankful for my tribal family. They honor me by calling me "warrior" and accept me in the community as one of their own. I am thankful to know Winterhawk, Blue Sky, Cat, Strong Turtle, Painted Turtle, Loving Spirit, Whitethunder and all of our tribe. I am thankful for our Sachem Robert Pharaoh and his fighting spirit. We are the Montaukett Nation because of the people. State and Federal recognition will only confirm what we already know.