Gratitude can show up in the smallest, most ordinary moments—a sunny morning, a shared laugh with a friend, or a quiet moment to breathe. These simple joys often go unnoticed, yet they hold the power to bring hope, comfort and happiness even in difficult situations. Recently, this lesson came to life during a group therapy session at our Sioux Falls campus where the children explored what it means to be thankful.
To deepen the lesson, Therapist Brittny Mueller invited someone who taught her about gratitude when she was young—her mom and author, Jill Kunstle.
When Jill visited the Sioux Falls campus, she brought along a special book she wrote, Lou Lou and the Likely Luckiest Day Ever! The story follows Lou Lou through a day filled with ordinary, surprising and joyful moments, ending with a gentle reminder that gratitude is a choice we can make no matter what challenges come our way.
This was Jill’s second visit to campus since publishing the book in late 2023. Brittny shared that having her mom visit gives the children a powerful example of what healthy caregiving can look like.
“We regularly talk with the kids about letting safe adults care for them,” Brittny explained. “It’s powerful for them to meet the person who raised me in a safe, loving environment. It gives them hope that they can experience the same kind of support in their lives.”
After the story, Brittny passed out paper hearts and encouraged the kids to write down things they felt thankful for. They listed family members, CHS staff, their pets, nature, good food and feeling safe and healthy. The children then decorated the hearts with colors, drawings and words that reflected their personalities.
Brittny emphasized that finding gratitude can be especially challenging for anyone who has faced a traumatic situation.
“Thankfulness can easily get pushed aside when someone is dealing with big and scary life situations that many of our children have faced in their short lives,” she said. “Giving the kids space to think a little deeper and find the goodness and hope still there is important, especially in this current season of Thanksgiving.”
For Jill, reading to the children brings back wonderful memories. After owning a dance studio and instructing kids for 35 years she shared that she misses their openness and honesty.
“Reading at Children’s Home is a wonderful way to spend time in the world of kids,” Jill said. “It brings me joy to watch and listen as the children process what gratitude is and share their experiences.”
Sharing her story with the kids is something that Jill values, and she hopes to continue visiting campus to share her lesson on thankfulness in the future.
“In this very material world we live in, I think gratitude needs to be taught to children, so they understand what is truly important,” she said. “Even as adults, we sometimes need reminders to be grateful.”
Watching the children write down what matters most to them reminds us that we have thankful hearts too. We appreciate you—our donors, supporters and friends—whose generosity makes moments like these possible. Your support creates spaces where children feel safe, valued and hopeful. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.
From everyone here at Children’s Home Society, we wish you and your family a warm and happy Thanksgiving!
