By Robert Sherrill

I had the honor to take care of a fine young man this year. His name was Josh Oehl, and he was a 12-year-old fellow. I believe you ran an article about Josh. His teacher gave him an assignment, and I'd like for you to read what he wrote.

"My teacher assigned an assignment, and I found out there are many things I'm thankful for. These things are: People who help me. Animals that make my life more exciting. The hobbies that I enjoy. The things I need in life. I hope you enjoy reading about things I am thankful for.

"I am thankful for many people in my life. I am thankful for having the freedom to believe in Jesus. I go to church and Sunday school to study the Bible. My family is there for me during happy times and times when I don't feel so good. The most recent time was my hunting trip ("Make a Wish" trip) when I got my first deer that was a big eight-point buck. I am glad I have doctors to help me feel better. The doctors help me get better. As you can see there are many people I am thankful for.

"I am thankful for all the animals in my life. I am thankful for deer and turkeys to watch run around with others. Deer and turkeys because they are fun to watch. I am also thankful for rabbits, because they are good pets, and they are fun to watch. I am thankful for chickens too. I am thankful for chickens because they lay eggs for food and they are food too. These are the animals I am thankful for.

"I am thankful for my hobbies. I am thankful for go-carts and ATVs. I am thankful for them because they are fun to ride. I am also thankful for being able to hunt deer and turkey. I am thankful for being able to hunt deer and turkey because it is fun to sit in the woods and wait for the big one to come. I am thankful for my X-Box. My X-Box is fun to play. These are the hobbies I am thankful for.

"I am thankful for the things I need in life. I am thankful for food and water. I need them to survive. I am thankful for tools and metal. You need tools and metal to build buildings. I am thankful for houses and wood. You need shelter and wood to stay warm. These are the things I am thankful for that we need in life.

"Writing these paragraphs made me think about how lucky I am. I hope you see how people help me. The animals have created joy in my life in many different ways. My hobbies gave me something to do when there isn't anything to do. Without these needs there wouldn't be any humans, animals or plants.

"All these things help me get through every day."

Young Josh lost his nine-year battle with osteosarcoma on June 18. I was treating Josh for orthopedic problems arising from arm, shoulder, and lower-leg metal implants, which were used to replace his diseased bone. I am thankful I got to meet such a courageous young man, and thought I would pass on his words of wisdom to you this Thanksgiving season. Remember everything you are thankful for this Thanksgiving, and forget the things that truly aren't important.

Robert Sherrill is the director of Mid-America Rehab in Cape Girardeau.