The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief expressions of what they're thankful for this holiday season.

This week's Clippable Quote

"Be present in all things and thankful for all things - poet Maya Angelou

Meanwhile ...

Some things our editors are thankful for:

John Lampinen, Editor

I'm truly touched and thankful for an incredible staff that works selflessly each day to try to make our corner of the world a little better place.

Jim Baumann, Executive Editor

I'm thankful for having had the best in the business as a mentor since I walked in the door as an intern in 1983. With John Lampinen in the building, work is an adventure in lifelong learning.

Michelle Holdway, News Editor

I'm thankful a COVID-19 vaccine was approved for kids ages 5 to 11. The youngest of our seven nieces and nephews finally was able to get her first shot. She wasn't amused, but the grown-ups in her life sure are relieved.

Kelly Vold, Sr. Digital Editor/Engagement

I'm thankful for a normal Thanksgiving with my family. We're vaccinated and boosted, and that means we can once again gather at my mom's house - inside! - and enjoy a traditional meal around her inviting dining room table. Enjoying each other's company while we're warm, comfortable and safe sounds like a perfect holiday to me.

Travis Siebrass, Dep. Managing Editor

I'm thankful for all the health care workers administering COVID-19 vaccine shots and treating patients. You're the true heroes of the pandemic and your efforts and sacrifice should not be taken for granted.

Mike Smith, Sports Editor

I'm thankful for the doctors, nurses and associated health care workers at Lurie Children's Hospital. Surgeons successfully removed a lung mass from my 6-month-old grandson, Aiden. Three months later he has regained his strength to the point of standing up and keeping his parents busy.

John Radtke, High School Sports Editor

I'm thankful high school sports has returned to normal. I'm thankful for the vaccine. I'm thankful for Paddock Publications, which continues to provide me the opportunity to lead our high school sports coverage. But most of all, I'm thankful for a strong and supportive family that has stuck by my side through thick and thin.

Lisa Friedman Miner, Dep. Managing Editor/News

I am thankful that last year's Zoom holidays are being replaced with in-person gatherings with my family this year, hugs and all. And I am deeply grateful to the researchers who developed the COVID-19 vaccine - and to the healthcare workers who continue to administer it. We toast to all of you this holiday season.

Melynda Shamie, Glenview, Northbrook Editor

I'm thankful I'll finally see family in-person for the holidays and, of course, for the vaccine making it possible. Hooray for science!

Kevin Dollear, Copy Editor

I'm thankful for my family, my cat and my health. I'm thankful for vaccines. I'm thankful for HBO's "Succession" and for good Indian food. I'm thankful for another year.

Charles Keeshan, Asst. Managing Editor

I'm thankful for a cross-country summer road trip with the family, taking us places we'd never been and making memories we'll never forget. Who knew 40 hours on the road could be so rewarding. I'm also grateful for a daughter and son who are full of passion and promise.

Caroline Linden, Director of Community and Entertainment News

Of the many things I'm thankful for this year, top of the list has to be health - for me, my family, my friends, my co-workers. I'm grateful for the vaccines, which allowed me to visit my mom who suffers from Alzheimer's and allowed me to see family and friends again. And I'm thankful for the opportunity to work from home so I could spend more time with my kids.

Robert Sanchez, City Editor

I'm thankful for all the readers of the Daily Herald. I get to do a job I love and report on the local news because of loyal subscribers and advertisers who support the newspaper.

Neil Holdway, Dep. Managing Editor/Late News

I'm grateful for where I live - in the Northwest suburbs that give me a lot of peace and luxury, plus plenty of places to explore on foot, on a bike or in a car - in my little Schaumburg house with a wife who's a great person and family all nearby who always have my back.

Renee Trappe, Dep. Managing Editor/Local News

I'm delighted with all the new people I have met in the past 12 months - more than I ever thought I'd meet while cooped up in a home office (my dining room table). I have new friends and new acquaintances and anytime you can add to those lists it's a year well spent.

Jim Slusher, Dep. Managing Editor/Opinion

I am of course thankful that wife Patty and I will see parents, sons, brothers, sisters, neices, nephews and new additions over the holiday. I'm also thankful to work alongside hard-working, dedicated professionals who prove every day, no matter how hard the times or difficult the assignment, the value of serving the community through a free press.