By: Denise Balcarcel

NoraDiva1@comcast.net

As cold winds swirl and autumn leaves fade, and while seasons elsewhere remain frozen in time, Thanksgiving gently approaches in all its grace and humility.  This is the holiday that strives to rebuff commercialism, and encourages us to feel blessed for what we have, instead of yearning for what we do not.  Thanksgiving brings a renewed opportunity to gather family and reunite friends with whom we have lost touch along the way.  It is also the season when we recognize that others may not be as fortunate, and we are swiftly humbled as the daily grind, in all its pettiness and redundancy, suddenly appears brighter.  Worries of tomorrow find themselves replaced by the joys of today, and we permit ourselves to be less ruled by thought and more driven by emotion.  This is the time of year that defines the spirit of giving, and opens our hearts and souls a bit more.  Thanksgiving grants us the perfect opportunity to pay homage to Hillary and celebrate the feast of riches she has bestowed upon our lives.  I can think of no greater way to embrace the holiday season than to bring offerings of love and gratitude in celebration.

I am honored to begin with a Thanksgiving tribute from OLTL’s Catherine Hickland, written especially for our newsletter this month.  Catherine shares the following: “I am thankful for Hillary in my life because she is a person who is there for you when you need a laugh, a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to listen. Over the nine years we have been friends, I have come to love her like a sister, a mom, a friend, and at the end of the day, I hope I have also been the same to her. No one laughs as much as we do, cries as much as we do, or talks as much as we do. She is a riot, and we have been through the wars together, so having a sense of humor helps ALOT! Thank you Billy Ray (my pet name for her) for being a true friend. I love you.”

In the spirit of the season and in continuation of Catherine’s loving tribute, I asked each of the following fans to share what Hillary has given them for which they are most thankful, both on a personal level and through Nora’s character.  Here, in their own words, are the heartfelt responses.  Beth from IN: “I am so thankful to Hillary for showing me how to make friends.  I am very shy and live in a small town, and have spent most of my life alone.  Hillary is so warm and friendly in person, and meeting her three years ago gave me the confidence I needed to take risks and introduce myself to new people.  I am so thankful to Nora for showing me how to be the best friend possible.  I would be honored to have Nora as a friend, and she has taught me how to be a good listener, and how to build on new friendships I have made.”  Carrie from TX: “I am thankful to Hillary for reminding me to never take my husband for granted.  I have always admired her deep love for her husband and children, and it is reflected in everything she does.  I am thankful to Nora for always fighting to uphold what is right and just.  Everything is rationalized away in the make-believe world of soaps, and Nora’s character has always stood for honesty, valor and justice.”  Dawn from MD: “I am thankful to Hillary for her unwavering dedication to OLTL and to her fans over the years. Hillary exemplifies true class, grace and generosity. One Life to Live would not be the same without her.  I am thankful to Nora for being the reason I started watching OLTL in the first place. She is a strong, independent character that is an inspiration to women everywhere.”  Katherine from NC: “I must thank Hillary for giving me the courage to sign up for dance lessons.  I took the plunge eight years ago, and learning to dance has added a whole new dimension to my life and confidence level.  I must thank Nora for never making me feel I have to apologize for being a strong, successful woman.  I have paid my dues and worked hard in my professional life, and Nora set the benchmark for professional women on the daytime canvas.”  Laura from CA: “I am most thankful to Hillary for teaching me that beauty truly does come from deep within.  She has taught me that it is possible to be a strong woman, have a fabulous career and balance that with being a loving wife and mother.  I am most thankful to Nora for showing me that when she makes a mistake, she can take credit for her faults, then turn around and try to learn to become a better person because of it.”

Marybeth from IL: “I am thankful to Hillary for inspiring me to face my fear of flying so I could finally meet her.  The very first time I ever flew was to attend SSW back in 2004, and though I was a nervous wreck until the plane landed, meeting her was worth its weight in gold to me.  I am thankful to Nora for loving so completely.  When she is passionate about someone or something, she loves with everything inside her, and she inspires me to do the same.”  Rosanna from CA: “I am thankful to Hillary for her grace, her tact and her proud carriage as a woman of profound self-confidence.  Hillary exemplifies the fine qualities that make a mature, selfless and compassionate person - and she is drop-dead gorgeous!  I am thankful to Nora for signifying a strength rarely found in people constantly bombarded with adversity.  I deeply admire Nora’s love of her family and friends, her innate integrity and how she fights for what she believes in.”  Rosemarie from AZ: “I must thank Hillary for showing me that losing a loved one can make you stronger.  It is possible to pick up the pieces of your life and move forward as long as you keep an open heart and reach out to those who love you.  I must thank Nora for fighting so hard for her children.  I always admired the way she fought for Rachel when she was battling drug addiction, and how she fought to give Matthew the life she envisioned for him.  Nora is an amazing role model for her children, and she has taught me a great deal about being a parent.”  Ryan from PA: “I am especially thankful that Hillary gave her fans another year to enjoy her portrayal of one of the most independent and strong-willed characters OLTL has ever had.  She continually shows her passion and her devotion to the daytime medium, and fans recognize and support that.  I am truly thankful that Nora emerged from months of darkness with her strength and integrity intact.  When I reflect upon Nora, she is defined in my mind by her strong principles and ethics.”  Staci from NJ: “I am thankful to Hillary for teaching me that hard work and persistence pays off.  If you really want something, you have to set concrete goals and pursue your dreams, because life is too short for indecision and regrets.  I am thankful to Nora for redefining ‘red.’  It has become more than just a shade of hair, more than Bo’s endearing nickname and more than a symbol of power.  Nora has taken the word ‘red’ and forever changed its meaning.”

Whether November brings warm sunshine and gentle winds, or is steeped in the aroma of crackling fireplaces and fallen leaves, Thanksgiving welcomes one and all.  We give thanks for loved ones who make each day worth living, and ask that they always remain safe and feel cherished.  We become acutely aware of the passage of time, and remember those we have loved and lost, while pausing long enough to savor precious moments of togetherness with all who gather before us.  While we do not require a special occasion to celebrate Hillary, there is no better time than that which formally asks us to pay homage for all which we are grateful.  When I reflect upon the essence of Thanksgiving, Hillary effortlessly comes to mind.  She is as free from affectation as this special day, and her zest for life as rich as the bountiful feast that graces holiday tables.  Her passion for her craft, her love for family and friends, and her larger-than-life personality embrace the holiday spirit like a festive centerpiece, giving something intricate and vibrant to each of us.  I must extend my deepest gratitude to Catherine for her heartfelt contribution, and also to Gillion at Cat Cosmetics for her gracious assistance in bringing Catherine’s words to us.  I wish to thank all the fans who shared their words of gratitude and love, and I am honored to have shared them in return.  So for the joy you have bestowed, for the lessons we have learned, for the person you are and for the love that you share, Hillary, we thank you.