FIVE YEARS AGO, Doris Stevens' husband, Jerry, was diagnosed with lung cancer and was given a 10 percent chance of survival.
Yesterday, as Doris watched the 90th annual Thanksgiving Day parade near the Art Museum and danced to the marching bands, her husband was at home cooking dinner.
"I'm thankful that he's alive and well," Doris said.
Thousands gathered along the parade route, which began at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard and ended at the Art Museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, for the festivities sponsored by 6ABC and Ikea.
As Goofy, Frosty the Snowman and Grover began their descent down the Parkway, many in the crowd reflected upon the reasons they were thankful.
"I am thankful for being with my daughter," said David Daly, 82, of Indianapolis, who was watching a gingerbread-man float sail by with his daughter Pat, 57.
"I am thankful for my family and my health," said Ben Lisitski, 66, of Mays Landing, N.J.
As "Silver Bells" was playing on a nearby Christmas-themed float, Steve Siegel, 44, of Wayne, smiled at his kids.
"Family and kids, that's what I'm thankful for," Siegel said.
"And stuffing, especially homemade with sausage," Siegel said of a Thanksgiving favorite that he was looking forward to having for dinner.
Closer to the Art Museum, The Phillie Phanatic was a crowd-pleaser as he danced along to a performance of songs from different decades.
"I've really enjoyed the marching bands today," said Cindy Camp, 53, of West Philadelphia.
As the final floats made their way down the Parkway, and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived to officially ring in the holiday season, Doris Stevens was looking forward to the feast that her husband was cooking, and debating on whether or not to tackle Black Friday shopping.
Of all the Thanksgiving delicacies, Stevens was looking forward to sharing the most classic one with her husband.
"Turkey!," she said laughing. "He loves the white meat, I love the dark meat."
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