GINA B. GOOD / PVT The Pahrump Senior Center was filled with residents enjoying an early Thanksgiving dinner Wednesday. Advertisement

As Thanksgiving arrives, Pahrump residents and visitors think about what they are thankful for.

Read what's on people's mind as they enjoy a sunny day at Petrack Park, sit on the benches at the Pahrump Community Library, put their groceries in their cars at Smith's, chat in line at Wal-Mart. All the comments are from Pahrump residents, unless otherwise noted.

There are even a few thankful comments at the Nye County Government Complex outside the courtrooms. "I'll be thankful if my husband gets out; he's been in jail for five weeks," said Jennifer Ridenhour, of Las Vegas.

"Being alive and having the grace to live in a country where you are free to worship the God you choose, or even don't choose to worship at all. I am thankful for all the freedoms we have, like the election we just went through and for the blessing of health, which we sometimes take for granted," said Bailiff Gil Muise.

A collaboration of friends spending the day at the Pahrump Powwow, Phyllis and Bill Dolan and Vernie and Bob Borgersen, said: "Health, freedom ... thankful for the troops that are serving this country and keeping us safe and thankful for our friends."

"I am thankful we have freedom and we have a democracy and we have rights that most other countries don't have, like the right to bear arms," said Michael O'Rourke, 18.

"I'm thankful for everything. My family, friends and my girlfriend, Sarah" -- Kyle Smith, 18, outside the library.

"My family" was a succinct and heartfelt answer from Catherine Davalos as well as Megan Hines, 16.

Several elaborated on the family theme: "My family. Having my mom and dad together," said Jessica Rivera. "I am thankful for family and friends being together and getting to know people," said Stevi Miller.

Marian Garcia said, "I'm thankful for everything, for my health and for the family being together."

"I'm thankful for family," said Julie Platson. "I'm thankful that we still have time and I can still talk to my parents, my husband and children, and we still have a lot of family left."

"I'm thankful for family. I still have my grandma," said Nichole Muns, while giving her grandma a hug in Petrak Park. Grandmother Irene Perez said, "I am thankful that I have grandkids to get together with." Perez was visiting from California.

"My family and to be alive," said Mary Sawina. "My health and my granddaughter Ally, age 3," said Linda Day. Little Ally Spahitz, who was grandmother's arms said, "Mommy and daddy."

Ellen Harrington, visiting from Indiana, said, "I'm thankful for my health and for my three grandkids."

"I'm thankful for good friends, to have a job and still have my house," said Julie Doubek. "I am thankful for my health and early detection," said Linda Spahitz.

Toni May of Las Vegas said, "I'm thankful to be here, to be able to come here and visit Pahrump."

"My children," said Shar Buckalew. "My 2-year-old baby girl," said Arron Sanchez.

"We're thankful for a beautiful day today, for family, friends and health," said Dick and Bobbie Wood, Las Vegas.

"I am thankful for a good life, good health and family. What more can you ask for?" said Sandy Matthews, visiting from Las Vegas. She and her husband Jim brought their three dogs, Maggie, Baby and Sugar to Petrack Park for the powwow.

"I am thankful for so many things," said Karen Gordon, from Las Vegas by way of New York. "For my next breath. We get 17,240 breaths a day. I am thankful for my beautiful man and for the beautiful sun and sky.

"I am thankful for just about everything," said Dale Olsson. "I am thankful I've got a house in Pahrump and can come down here from Canada for the winter. My wife and I love Pahrump."

"I am thankful to have God in my life," said Mike Armstrong. "For having family and friends around," said his wife Maria, who works in the children's section of the Pahrump Community Library.

"I am thankful for being so blessed in my life," said Cathy Behrens who lives in both Pahrump and Las Vegas. "I'm thankful for my health and my children's health and the simple things in life. I have learned to enjoy the simple things. It's not the fancy car or diamonds or a big house -- those are just things."

"I am thankful that I am still here on this side of the dirt," said Frank Holtzman.

He went on to say, "I have had a lot of really bad health problems and so has my wife. I'm thankful to enjoy a nice day in the sun and thankful that my kids are doing well. I am thankful that Obama got elected president and I am hopeful our government will respond to the people instead of victimize them."

"Good health," said Deborah DeLuise. Health proved to be another common theme.

"My cancer is gone and I am still here," said Bill Grimshaw. "I just got done with radiation treatments."

Quite a few folks are just glad to be alive, including Doug Miller, visiting from Henderson.

"I'm thankful for just about everything; for being alive and my husband's health," said Sonja McGuire.

"I'm thankful that I am still living. I am thankful for everything I do -- for the kids and the staff members," said Sam Simatos director of special education for Nye County School District.

"I'm thankful for being alive," said Michele Lester. "I have had so many medical issues this year."

Mike Reeder said, "I am thankful for a good education, good friends, a good welding business and good health."

"I am thankful that my wife is doing better. She's a cancer patient. I am just thankful she's getting the treatment she needs," said Roy Byrne. "That's the only thing on my mind right now."

"I am thankful for my son and my wife and being together as a family," said Jaron Malone, visiting from Carson City.

"I'll be working," said Louise Wager, "but I am thankful for my family -- for my daughter and my two sons and for my mom's good health."

"I'm thankful that I have a job and for my family and my little 10-month-old daughter," said Ashley Farrell. "I am thankful to be healthy and alive," said Jessica Leavitt. "I've had a lot of family tragedies in the month of November in the last two years."

"I am thankful for my 4-month-old baby," said Miriam Hernandez. "I am thankful I have a job, especially in this economy" said Nye County Sheriff's Office bailiff Brian Thelaner.

"I am thankful for my health, first off," said Tonya Veach, owner of Lovable Pups Grooming. "And thankful that my business is holding its own right now. So far, we have been able to keep our doors open. I am also thankful for my good employees. They are always here and that helps. I am also thankful for my loyal customers."

Kathy Leroy, who was helping out her friend at the Bead Volcano, said, "I am very thankful for my family and for my husband, Hubert. I met him later in life and he has just made life wonderful for me. My husband spoils me completely."