It is far easier for us to have an attitude of gratitude right now than it is for New Yorkers, but, unlike circumstances, we can choose our attitudes. There is comfort in knowing there is something we can control.

Whether or not a terrible storm interrupts our lives is out of our control. What we can control is how we respond to what happens in our lives. We can learn to respond, rather than react. It isn't always easy, but it is always possible.

Once a year my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, gives us a day to share a dinner with loved ones, reflect on our blessings and adjust our attitudes. The spirit of Thanksgiving for me has always been the song from my childhood, Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother's house we go.

It is no coincidence that Grandmothers and Thanksgiving are paired. Grandmothers generate consistently happy memories in so many lives. I believe it is their attitude that makes the difference. They radiate what is important - love and time together.

Do all grandmothers have good attitudes? If not always, they probably do around their grandchildren. One of my favorite comic routines is Bill Cosby's monologue about how different his parents were with his children than they were with him. Same people, different attitude.

Perhaps grandparents model the attitude we should all adopt. As long as we have people in our lives to love, all is well.

Years ago, my oldest grandchild, Heather Ireland, gave me a wonderful card with a handwritten message inside that I shall always cherish. The picture on the cover portrays exactly the attitude we had together when she was a child. I keep that card close at hand because we still have that attitude and it is the attitude I want to maintain throughout my life and relationships.

Let us keep the attitude of gratitude we exude at Thanksgiving for all our days.

Jean Loxley-Barnard has been a writer all her life and studied both sociology and psychology at George Washington University where she earned a B.A. Her company, The Shopper, Inc., encompasses all the Loxley-Barnard family publications - The Shopper Magazines and Doctor to Doctor Magazine. She has been in the advertising, consulting and publishing business for 39 years.