Welcome to A Girl's World's

Festival of Fun!

It was all dark. It was 9:39 at night. My family was all asleep. There was a knock at the door. I went downstairs to answer it. It was my friend down the street. She seemed really scared. She said, "My parents were yelling and screaming and throwing-----" I took her by the arm and told my parents. They called her parents and said that maybe it was best if she stayed the night. I am thankful to my parents for helping my friend and helping me be a good one.

Kathleen, 11, Texas

I am thankful for my wonderful boyfriend. I know this is not something very important to most people but it is to me. His name is Josh and he is my best friend. I can trust him and talk to him about everything! I can even talk to him about girl stuff and he understands. One day when I was very upset because my friends got in a fight with me he cheered me up and gave me a big hug and kiss! I know that he will always be there for me even if we brake up!

Erin, Ohio

I would like to tell people about my aunt and uncle. They are two very nice people that took my brother, sister, mom, and I in when the situation at my home got really bad. My Aunty Mary is my mom's absolute best friend. I was living at home with my father, Gilbert. He was very abusive, verbally. It got to a point when it got physical. So My mom called up my Aunt and told her that my father was getting very weird and we, the kids, needed to be taken out of the house. My Aunty Mary said that it would take a couple of weeks for her to get the plane tickets for us to come live in XXXX, California with her. At the time we lived in Utah. One day I came home from school and my mother told us to go and pack our stuff and we were going to live with my Aunty Mary. My dad moved out and died this last May of Hepatitis C. He had been suffering for more than 23 years! Anyway I just wanted to say that without my uncle and Aunt I don't think that I'd be here writing this letter/note to you.

Magdalena, 13 1/2, California

I'm thankful for this website, it's the coolest thing for girls all around the world!

Amanda, 10, New York

I'm thankful for my cool mom. After dinner I said to my mom I am going upstairs to do my homework. What do you mean homework my mom said. Well I do have homework this weekend. It was Friday and I have homework, that stinks. Well anyway about after 15 minutes my mom came up and said lets go. My mom and I both got in the car and she started to drive and after one hour I finally said where are we, it looks like we are in Pittsburgh. What are we doing in Pittsburgh? She said, Well this was a surprise, see I won tickets to the Britney Spears concert for both of us. My mouth dropped down to the floor. I thought is she really telling the truth but she was and we went to the Britney Spears concert just like I had dreamed. I will never forget that day.

Britney, 12, Pennsylvania

I am very thankful to God and the doctors who saved my dad and great uncle's life when they were very ill.

Vatsala, 11, United Arab Emirates

My father never really made it clear that he loved me without later on regretting it in some way or other. This can be pretty hard to deal with. I have no brothers or other male figures so I didn't have a brother to fall back on for the love a father should give. I later entered this program that helps public school kids get into private schools where I met Pablo. He's the same age as me only a little younger by a few months. We didn't talk to each other or become friends until a year later when the program was finishing and there was five days before we were off to our private schools. Pablo and I became close friends in that short time. He became my best friend that was a boy and let me know what it was like to have a brother since I'd never had one. Pablo is one of my closest friends and one of the nicest people I know and I want to thank him for being a best friend to me.

Karimah, 12, New York

My dad died when I was 6 and I was a awful child until I was about 10 when my cousin who was really close to my dad, took me for about a week one summer, he told me all about how hard it is to loose someone. He told me that it's ok to cry. I sat there and cried for about 1 hour and then he said if you ever need to talk to someone call me or whatever and I'll come by and talk with you. And ever since he has been there for me! I love you Ronnie.

Brittney, 13, Texas

(Editor's Note: This entry is from an older girl but we felt it was worth including) Two weeks before Thanksgiving, my grandfather fell and ended up in the hospital. I was very close to him and scared. Earlier that year, I had delivered a baby girl. She was the greatest little person to him and he loved her dearly, as she did him. One week after he had been admitted to the hospital, they transferred him to the nursing home. One day, my mother asked if she could take my daughter in to see him and I said ok. My grandfather was very confused and didn't recognize anyone in my family. But when they brought my daughter in, and set her on his bed, it brought a smile to his face and he said her name. HE REMEMBERED HER. They stayed for a while longer, and brought my daughter home. The next morning, my father called and told me that my grandfather passed away. For some reason, I didn't cry. I guess I knew deep down that his suffering and pain was over and that he was with God. When we went through his things a few days later, I noticed that there were no pictures of my daughter and him together. I was upset, but nothing could be done. He was gone and I would never have that. Every Thanksgiving we have dinner at my mother and father's house. It would be the first year celebrating any holiday without my grandpa. After dinner, my mother brought out a wrapped present and handed it to me. Inside was an 8"10 photo of my grandpa smiling down at my daughter in the hospital. My mother knew we had no photo of them together and she knew that could be her last chance. Then, for the first time since my grandpa passed away, I cried.

Angi, Wisconsin

I am thankful for my mother, because one time I was dying. She took me to the doctor; they said there was nothing wrong. The next day I could not move, I had lost my appetite, and I had a rash all over me that itched. My mother rushed me to the hospital, and by the time I had gotten there, my rash was from head to toe. I looked like a walking (or trying to walk) strawberry. When we got to the hospital, the doctor people said that it was very bad and if they did not take me to the emergency room, I could die. The hospital called the paramedics and the fire department, and I was sitting there on the hospital bed, praying I wouldn't die. I got a shot and by the time I got home, my rash was gone, and I was eating again. It was a miracle, Thank you Jesus, Mom, and Hospital!

Destiny, 12, Washington

I have so many things to be thankful for, My family, my friends, my house, etc. you know all that. But what I'm really thankful for is where I live!!! I live in a small town in Maryland, and I love it! It is sooooo safe here (knock on wood). My school is so nice, and my neighborhood has an unbelievable amount of house alarms! I feel really comfortable here! Nothing really dramatic happens here( knock on wood again!) And I'm very thankful for it! HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Andi, 13, Maryland

I am thankful for my best friend Amanda. Because a couple of years of go when I found out that I have a chronic illness (called Nerually Mediated Hypotension), she stayed by me unlike some of my other friends. And she helped me through a lot of hard times. THANK YOU AMANDA!

Jess, 13, Pennsylvania

When I was down with chickenpox, Ken will email to me to ask me how I feel . Although we are normal friends, he acts as if he is my big brother. Always there to care and help me. Thanks Ken! You are such a nice guy.

Jasmine, 14, Singapore

When my cousin died a few years ago I was really upset because we had been pretty close and I hadn't been able to say goodbye. Everyone was really supportive at the funeral but when I went back to S.A. for Christmas a few months later, I broke down and cried and cried. My auntie (my cousin's mum) took me into her bedroom where we cried and remembered things for hours. She then gave me a photo that was really special. I don't know what I would have done without her. I am so thankful that she understood what I was going through and that I could relate to her.

Annie, 15, Australia

Today, I am thankful for my best friend. We don't get to do much together, but one day she made me the happiest person ever! I am so In love with Nsync, and she wrote Oprah~yes Oprah! and Oprah called her and said she would do whatever she could for us to see them and meet them, cus at the time, my family is going through a lot so I am thankful for my best friend, not only cus of that, just cause she's there!

Kristy, 16, Arizona

The nicest thing that was ever done for me that I am thankful for is when my dad had six surgeries within 3 years and we were low on food and money for Thanksgiving. A local church brought a fully cooked turkey with all the trimmings, including a pumpkin pie and rolls, so that we could celebrate and didn't have to be without. This will always remind me what giving thanks is all about. Helping those less fortunate is the nicest thing we can do for anyone.

Kristy A. 15, North Carolina, U.S.A

What Are You Thankful For? Share Your Stories! What's the nicest thing that anyone's ever done?

Last Year's Stories!

I am thankful for my two dogs: Bear (male schnauzer) and Yoyo (female Boston terrier). Every time something in my life has gone wrong or I'm sick, They know. They come and curl up with me on the couch while I sleep with the flu or I can tell them all my secrets or about my horrible day at school. They love me for who I am and they don't try and make me into somebody I'm not. They've stood by me in my times of need and given me uncontrollable and unending love that will last forever in my heart. If you want love like this, get a dog. It's breath-taking what my dogs have done for me. I can never thank them enough. I am thankful for Bear and Yo-Yo with all my heart.

Caitland, 12, USA

I am thankful for all of my teachers. Even though they get ticked off, they are still there, and still helping you to learn. Learning, to me, has always been important. So when I realize what brats we were back in 2nd grade(or now!), and that the teachers kept their cool. And they would always go on with the lesson. If you grow up with negative teachers, you will definitely get a negative attitude toward school. I am thankful for the teachers, because I know I could never do it in a million years!!

Megan, 14, Missouri

All my life I have lived in a beautiful bay on the beach and every day of every week I go and visit the lady that lives down the lane. I have been visiting for as long as I can remember and she's the only person I can completely trust. I've been through everything with her, she helped me get through my parents divorce, she let me stay at her place one night when I ran away from home (though I think she phoned Mum cause Mum didn't seem the slightest bit worried when I rocked up at 10am the next morning) and she's the one friend that I know I can always count on. But life isn't meant to be perfect and I know that one day, as all elderlys do, she will pass away but rather than be sad I will be rejoicing for all the years we have shared together have meant so much to me and she is now my best friend.

P.B. 13, Australia

It was my first day in this new school. I did not know what to do. I was in my English class being introduced for like the hundredth time and I felt very selfconscious. My teacher Ms. SXXXX was looking around the room and there were 2 seats open, one right next to this really mean, nastylooking boy and the other next to a girl. Teacher placed me by that mean looking boy when all of a sudden the girl with the seat open said "Ms. Smith let Ashley sit next to me. She doesn't want to sit next to old Spike". I smiled at her as I sat down next to her and she said "Hi my names Anna. I always had Anna in my class. She and I became buds on the first day and she made me popular which I have never been. I want to thank her so much. There was a new girl in my Science class and a girl named Jess welcomed her and I see now how the circle of friends works.

Ashley , 13, Canada

I'm thankful for a very special friend that helped me change my life. I never used to be secure about who I was. I was always asking, do I look alright or do I look fat? When I knew the answer was that I looked great no matter what I was wearing or who I was with. I just hadn't realized it. Because of this friend I realized that I'm me, and I'm great. I discovered that looks don't matter, it's the kind of person you are. There wasn't anything wrong with my looks, but I wasn't a very good person. And because of this person I changed, and grew up. I'm more mature, and considerate. I'm a better person because of this friend. Thank you.

Denita, 15, Missouri

The thing I am most thankful for is my friend Heather. She has been my friend for 9 years , since I was two. We do everything together, one time no one could find my mom for two weeks and I couldn't stop crying , even though she had never been in this situation she reassured me I would be O.K. She was right , two months later they found my mother. She had been trying to stop drinking and had been in a rehab program. Thanks, Heather!

Amanda, 11

I am thankful for my Dad. He always takes me out in the late evening when I suddenly remember I need something for school the next day. He plays games like Chess and Poker with me. He works and provides for our family. He helps me understand important things like the economy and many historical events. He takes time to help me get a better grade in Science. He lets me know he understands why I got a C in it, that Science is a different part of the mind than my great subjects like Reading and Writing. He tells me about human nature, and things I won't learn in school until later. he teaches me Russian. He teaches me to use computers. He takes time to tell me stories. He helps me deal with my mom's Lupus. I am thankful for my dad.

Caitlin, 12, Georgia

Hello I just wanted to thank everybody in my family for raising me the right way that I should be raised. Second of all I want to Thank my mother for everything that she taught and helped me on. My mother is the main one I want to thank to this day because is raised me, she kept a roof over me, she always make sure that I ate, dressed right and was always there when I needed her! I'd also like to thank all those teachers who were there helping and teaching me more about things in life.

Tisha, 12, Arizona

Although I have lots to be thankful for, at this time of year one thing stands out in my mind. Mine isn't a new computer, or clothes, or a CD... it's far more precious than those material things. You see, this past summer I volunteered in Long Term Care at my local hospital. At first it was kind of scary (I wasn't used to being around elderly people very much), but then, friendships began to grow. It's amazing how much old people have to tell and how much advice they can give. I'm very thankful for their friendship.

Jessica H., 12, Kentucky

My principal and guidance counselor are always there for me whenever I need them to talk and anything. They gave up their lunch for me in my hardest times. Thanks a lot to them. Michelle, 16, New York

I am thankful for God, my family, freedom, equality, and being able to express my feeling and be what I want to be. Thank you to God for him and my family and thank Martin Luther King for letting us have freedom and equality.

Shelby, 9, Pennsylvania

I was getting ready to leave the state for 10 days and I really wanted my boyfriend to go with me. He couldn't go because som

ething came up. I was really disappointed. The time came and I had to get on the airplane. I was crying and I went to my seat and here he was in the seat right next to me. He surprised me and he told me he canceled his other plans cause nothing is more important then me. We are still together to this day and he's the perfect boyfriend ever!!

Brynn, 17, California

I got lost in the Mall. A man who didn't look nice but was took me to the lost and found booth. It took awhile but my Mom heard my name on the speaker and came. I cried and so did she. Thank you God for the nice man. I was scared.

Mindy, 8, Wisconsin

It was my eleventh birthday. Suddenly I heard my teacher call my name, and I held my breath, wondering what I had done. When I turned around, she was carrying balloons and flowers. I was so sure it was my dad who had sent them. He works out of state during the week, and he wasn't there that morning. I finally got the card open. My sister, who's 16, and I have always fought. I was so shocked and touched, I couldn't believe it. My sister had paid for flowers and balloons to be sent to my school! Everyone crowded around. They commented how mean their siblings were and that I had a very nice sister. I agreed with them as I had a radiant smile the rest of the day.

Kendra, 11, Michigan

I was getting ready to sing in a huge performance with my two choir friends and the rest of the selected people from many choirs. My choir was chosen for Oregon, and my friends Kristin and Scott and me were chosen to represent our choir. I had the biggest crush on Scott at the time (I still do!), and I tried everything I could to get the hints across to him. Scott's mom, Sandy, was the chaperone for us, and she is a really good adult friend of mine. She was nice to me when Kristin was off flirting with Scott and I had no one to hang out with.

Anyway, we were singing on the stage, practicing before the actual concert, when all of a sudden a boy fainted! When people faint, it really scares me and grosses me out, so when I saw him fall, I got really dizzy and hot, and I blacked out too. It had really been a few minutes, but it seemed like seconds when I opened my eyes again. I was being carried by some people, and it all seemed like a very detailed dream! I felt like it wasn't real, and I fainted again. The next thing I knew, I was outside the building, on the knee of some man I didn't even know, and people were all around me asking me all these questions like "Are you ok?" and "who's your chaperone, we need to find them," and "Take it easy, do you feel better?" I was so confused, I didn't know what happened! I was really scared, I didn't know these people, and I still felt dizzy and really weak. Someone started dabbing my lip with a paper towel, and as I took it, I saw there was blood on it. I had fallen and cut my lip.

After I had kind of recovered, Sandy came and helped me back into the building, where she lead me into a small room. She sat me down on a couch and told me to sit and rest until I feel better. "Is it bad?" I said, pointing to my swollen lip. "No, not too bad, you should drink some liquid and eat. The rest of the kids are having lunch right now another room," she answered, smiling at me. "Thanks for helping me, I feel really weak right now. I guess when I saw that boy faint, I got a little grossed out and scared, and I fainted too. I just felt so scared," I replied. "Well," she answered. "As long as you're ok."

I told Sandy I was ready to go back with the rest of the choir, and she lead me to the room where they were eating lunch. Kristin jumped up from a table when she saw me enter the room. She came racing over, asking me, "Are you alright? I was so worried! I hope you're ok." I smiled at my good friend, "I'm ok." I turned back at Sandy and smiled a thank you to her, and she smiled back. She had been there when I needed her, and I felt lucky to have someone right there to help me in my time of need. She was just like a mom to me on that trip, and I really owe it to her.

Alyssa, Oregon

I am thankful to my mother for many things. She raised me right, she put up with me for 13 years and supported me. She sheltered me and also protected me. Last but not least, she gave birth to me. That is something that I can never thank her enough for.

Mahogany. B, 13, Illinois

"Mum, I'm home!" I shouted. I went upstairs and dumped my school bag in my bedroom. I went downstairs to eat dinner with my family. My mother had cooked my favorite dish- mince meat with cheese, apple pie, fish and some vegetable. After dinner we went upstairs and discuss our family problems like we always do. Then, I did my homework. I had geography homework. Mrs. Victoria wanted us to draw a map of the United Kingdom and answer the questions in the textbook. Suddenly, I remembered something. Tomorrow is my school prize-ceremony.I'm going to get the honored student for this year and I haven't got a green coat. We were supposed to sew or buy one. After doing my homework, I began to think. "Aliyyah, go to sleep. I'll go and tuck you in in five minutes," my mother shouted. When my mother was tucking me in, I told her what was in my mind. My mother kissed me and said, "Don't worry. You'll get your prize with a green coat." She went to her room and left me thinking what she'll do. But I know my mother, she never broke her promise. I fell asleep to awake in the morning finding my parents had already awakened. I bathed quickly and went down to help serve the breakfast. I greeted my parents and we had breakfast. "Aliyyah, go upstairs after breakfast, will you?"" Yes, mum," I replied. I went upstairs and found my mother holding a beautiful green coat. I hugged my mother. I was really happy. "Thanks," that was all I could say. My mother had stayed up the whole night to sew my green coat.

"Aliyyah K, honored student of XXX Islamic Primary School.There was a great big clap from the audience searched for my family and I saw my mother clapping happily, tears were rolling down from her eyes. "Mother, this green coat will always be in good hands. It will remember me of you and this day, your good ever deed, May God bless you, "I whispered in my heart. And until now this coat has never been touched by dust.

Aliyyah k.,11, Malaysia.

One thing I am very thankful for is one of my two best friends, Amy. Two years ago, I was alone in an APASS class, not knowing anybody but Kelsey. My old friends had turned into major pains over the summer. My other best friend went to a private school. One day, Amy stood next to my desk and waited while I got my lunch out of my backpack. Then, we walked to lunch together. From that day on, we were inseparable. I am thankful that she had enough time to care, a few seconds to spare for one lonely girl.

Kate W., 11, CA

My Grandpa is the best!!! He is so fun! Just a call away! Or a quick E-mail. He always makes you feel better when you are sad. And always makes me laugh. He gives me LOTS of candy. Tells me I'm doing a good job. He always is giving me (and my cousins) cool presents for Christmas. He always comes to watch me at soccer games. He always gives me BIG hugs. He loves to take me and my cousins four-wheeling, and paint balling! He always is nice and kind. He loves to watch me and my cousins play in our band concerts. He is always there. He cares about me. He loves me. He is kind. He is my Grandpa.

Michelle .M, 12 Washington USA

I would like to say thanks to my cousin, Josh, for deciding to sit in the BACK of the car the night his best friend was killed in the front seat of the car he was riding home in. I'd like to thank my great boyfriend, Jacob, for helping me through some tough times. Thanks to my mom & dad for being the understanding people they are when I brought home a C- instead of my regular A on my report card.

Brooke W., 13, Iowa, USA