MONROE - As Americans reflect on what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving, several Monroe seniors are grateful for the simple things others take for granted.
"I'm thankful for my life," said Marie Mason, a 97-year-old resident of Aster Assisted Living in Monroe.
Mason, along with other residents, said one of the things she was most grateful for was the opportunity to live comfortably.
"Words can't express this place," said 99-year-old Werner Feutz. "I get three hot meals a day and all the attention I need."
Feutz said he is most thankful to be able to continue living with his wife of nearly 75 years.
Mardelle Matzky said she was not interested in holidays - "I take every day as it comes," she remarked - but added that she would be spending the day with her family.
"Sure, I'll be with my family: T hese people are my family," Matzky said of her fellow residents.
Matzky, who declined to disclose her age ("more than 90," she admitted), said she was glad to spend time with other people her age.
"I just like being with other people," Matzky said. "They're all so nice to me here."
"I'm just thankful for being thankful," Matzky said.
Matzky said she had no special plans for Thanksgiving other than a nice meal, while Mason and Feutz looked forward to visits with family.
Mason said her daughter, a Madison resident, visits her on holidays, and Feutz said he and his wife would visit the Monroe home of his daughter and son-in-law.
"I'm just going to have a nice meal and play some cards," Feutz said.
While Feutz said he was looking forward to family gatherings this holiday season, Matzky took a broader view.
"I'm excited about every day here," Matzky said.
"I'm thankful for my life," said Marie Mason, a 97-year-old resident of Aster Assisted Living in Monroe.
Mason, along with other residents, said one of the things she was most grateful for was the opportunity to live comfortably.
"Words can't express this place," said 99-year-old Werner Feutz. "I get three hot meals a day and all the attention I need."
Feutz said he is most thankful to be able to continue living with his wife of nearly 75 years.
Mardelle Matzky said she was not interested in holidays - "I take every day as it comes," she remarked - but added that she would be spending the day with her family.
"Sure, I'll be with my family: T hese people are my family," Matzky said of her fellow residents.
Matzky, who declined to disclose her age ("more than 90," she admitted), said she was glad to spend time with other people her age.
"I just like being with other people," Matzky said. "They're all so nice to me here."
"I'm just thankful for being thankful," Matzky said.
Matzky said she had no special plans for Thanksgiving other than a nice meal, while Mason and Feutz looked forward to visits with family.
Mason said her daughter, a Madison resident, visits her on holidays, and Feutz said he and his wife would visit the Monroe home of his daughter and son-in-law.
"I'm just going to have a nice meal and play some cards," Feutz said.
While Feutz said he was looking forward to family gatherings this holiday season, Matzky took a broader view.
"I'm excited about every day here," Matzky said.