Anchor. Mother. Friend. Journalist. Ann wears many hats throughout the year, but it's clear which one she's proudly waving in the air as we approach the holidays. The anchor tells TODAY.com what she's grateful for this festive period:
This holiday, I am particularly thankful for my children, 16 and 19 now. After all the years surviving the vast array of parenting heartbreaks, to see your children become people you not only love but deeply admire is really something.
I honestly want nothing more from Christmas than to stare at them, which of course is impossible, because well, it's just too weird.
To every mother and father I say every kiss, every hug, every moment of patience you give your children is never wasted. You will see.
What are you thankful for? Tell us in the comments and we'll update this post later in the day.
Update: 12/16/2011 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Thanks to everyone who wrote in and revealed what they're thankful for. Here are just a few of the Facebook comments that resonated with us:
Rebecca Marchand My 25 year old son, who struggled desperately after we lost my husband to the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01, has followed in Alfrd Marchands footsteps & will graduate tomorrow as a United Airlines Flight Attendant... I am more proud than I've ever been...
Antonia Owens I am thankful for my fiance who is still in Iraq, and my family who has keep me going.
Morton Horowitz I Concur. Love & admire my children as well. Also their spouses. All of whom became wholesome adults with fantastic parental attributes. Thank God.
Janett Mary Massey-Jacobsen My husband is with me after having heart surgery for the 2nd time. Jake & his heart is now healthy & he will be will be for a long time to come ♥
Read more about Ann
- Happy birthday Ann!
- Ann's favorite hostess gift
- Anchors and their mini-mes! Kids recreate iconic TODAY pics
Ian Sager is TODAY.com's editorial supervisor. He's thankful for his wife, family and friends — all of whom provided endless comfort, fun and laughs in 2011.