A brief talk with Nancy DuBose reveals a woman with many challenges and hardships.

She was recently laid off from Orangeburg's Federal Mogul Friction Products, her 73-year-old mother is struggling with a cracked rib and her closest friend is undergoing dialysis treatment.

"I have my health and even though I got laid off, I am still warm," DuBose said. "I have a home and food for now and the Lord has been with us."

DuBose said despite the challenges, she credits God for showing her his love and guidance in the midst of suffering.

She says her ill friend has shown her how to be strong amid weakness. Her mother continues to care for her and others despite her age and infirmity.

"I am blessed to have friends and family who care enough to want to share even though the economy is on the out," she said. "So far we are maintaining. God keeps blessing me with certain answers and certain ways. Sometimes it does not come when I want them, but they are there when I need them."

DuBose is just one of many this Thanksgiving Day who are finding out that life, faith, family, love and freedom are priceless gifts.

Eighty-year-old Cope resident Bethel Chavis Williams has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

She continues to work twice a week at Orangeburg City Hall's finance department, a job that brings her joy.

"I am thankful for life, health and friends, but most of all for the Lord who keeps me day by day," Williams said. "I think people take life for granted. They don't appreciate the things the Lord has given them to enjoy. It seems like they want to destroy it."

This Thanksgiving Day will find Williams cooking a big Thanksgiving dinner for family coming from Tennessee and Florida. Ham, turkey and sweet potato pies are among the dishes on the menu.

"We have a big family but I don't know how many are coming," she said, with a slight laugh and a noticeable twinkle in her eye. "I have 13 grands and 21 great-grands and am expecting another."

Charlie Brown, who has worked with Orangeburg's Coca-Cola Bottling Company for the past 27 years, said he is most thankful for continuing to work for Coca-Cola.

"I heard the state is laying off hundreds of people," he said. "I am thankful for good health and having a job to work in."

He said he plans to host his three children and eight grandchildren for the traditional Thanksgiving feast. The children will be coming from Florida, Virginia and Kansas.

Jasper Varn, 82, who is temporarily wheelchair-bound due to a broken leg, says he is thankful for the "privilege and honor" to live in the United States and enjoy its freedoms.

"We are free to earn a living, we are free to provide for our families and contribute to their relief," he said. "We are not under any restrictions. We can move around with freedom. We have the freedom to educate our children and worship as we desire."

Leon Robinson of Bowman said he is most thankful for "life and being blessed by God."

"You have only have one of them and you have to live it to the fullest," he said. "I plan to enjoy my Thanksgiving with family and friends."

Robinson said he likes to spend Thanksgiving by giving back the blessings he has received.

"I try to help somebody who is struggling," he said. "These hard times have placed an extra burden on some people."

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551.

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