The Soapbox: Editors offer thoughts about gifts they cherish
The season of giving
It's the time of year to think about gifts, those received as well as those to be given. Among countless personal and professional blessings of the past year, I'm always grateful for the gifts of trust, friendship and attention from loyal Daily Herald readers. Without these qualities, we can do little to change our world. With them, together we can do anything. - Jim Slusher, Deputy Managing Editor For Opinion
Making the world a better place
My greatest gift has been the opportunity to work at a place that has a simple goal: Making our little corner of the world a better place. And, along with that, the chance to work with people, both past and present, who truly pursue that goal every day. - Bob Smith, DuPage Editor
To tell the truth
It's part of our mission statement coined by founder Hosea C. Paddock. The facts matter. And we're thankful we have the platform to report them, to hold our leaders accountable and to set the record straight when necessary. - Michelle Holdway, News Editor
Greatest gift of all
This Christmas, as well as the last, I, with utmost humility, am enjoying the gift of life. This was given to me by a great medical staff of doctors and nurses who saved mine a year ago. Along with family and friends who helped get me back on my feet and back to work, I continue to offer my deepest gratitude. - Don Friske, Associate Sports Editor/Nights
Those who help others
A gift we should all cherish is the people in the suburbs who step up and make a difference every day. From the first responders who put their lives on the line to keep us safe to community volunteers who give of their time to help those in need, thanks. - Pete Nenni, Deputy Managing Editor
When people step up to help
In this time when the world is so divided and angry, it's a gift to see people come to another's aid. We've seen outpourings of support for youths who've been bullied, fundraising for people who've fallen on hard times or become ill, charitable efforts for communities. More of this, please. - Neil Holdway, Assistant Managing Editor/Copy Desk
Beacons of kindness
With the difficulties and divisiveness of the past year, I am grateful for gestures of kindness, big and small. Generosity - whether of time, money, resources or spirit - is indeed a gift. And stories of about those of give of themselves inspire me throughout the year. - Lisa Friedman Miner, Metro Editor
Thankful for you
I'm grateful for the world's most devoted newspaper readership. It's you who stick with us who make our life's work matter. It's for you we exist. Oh, and it's pretty cool that our board of directors has entrusted us with the gift of employee ownership. - Jim Baumann, Managing Editor
The gift of life itself
My gratitude for the gift of life itself runs deep this year. Hospital stays have taught me to never take life for granted, yet to cherish each day as an opportunity. I'm also grateful for a good job, working for and with people who truly care about our mission. - John Radtke, High School Sports Editor
Our natural world
The air we breathe, the water we drink, the resources we need, the vistas that inspire, the plants and animals that make our existence possible, the respite amid the daily chaos. The abundance and beauty of our planet Earth is a gift indeed, as are those who work to protect it. - Diane Dungey, Senior Deputy Managing Editor
Work that enriches
I've been given the gift of working with wonderful colleagues who make it a joy to come to work each week. The challenge of covering the news in a way that is fair and enlightening to readers has enriched my life for 50 years, beginning when I was a senior in high school. - James Kane, Deputy City Editor
Presence, not presents
Being present for someone in need is often the best gift you can give. Whether it be listening to someone's concerns, lending a helping hand or just simply being there shows you care. And it can make all the difference in the world. - Caroline Linden, News Editor
Let's make nice the norm
Random acts of kindness, to me, are among the most precious gifts. One of my favorite humans is someone I've never seen nor ever met. It's the person who brings my mother's newspaper from the end of the driveway to her front door. Every day. A St. Charles gem. - Mike Smith, Sports Editor
The gift of gratitude
Every breath, every moment, every day is a gift. None of it is promised. We should cherish it all. And be grateful for it all. God blesses us, every one.
- John Lampinen, Editor