They were befriended by the natives. They survived a cold winter. They had begun to build a new home. They surely gave thanks for their supply, their protection, their families. We all have much for which to be grateful.
Thanksgiving is the beginning of abundance.
Christ Jesus often gave thanks before the healing took place. He saw God's everpresent love and omnipotent protection as always available to each of us. In other words, thanksgiving is a part of our requests of God. There is much more to Thanksgiving than being grateful for what we have received. There are many individuals and many churches and agencies in this county that will feed and clothe the stranger and fatherless and widow this season.