In a special Thanksgiving Soapbox, Daily Herald editors offer brief expressions of their thankfulness in 2022.
This editorial represents the consensus opinion of The Daily Herald Editorial Board.
This week's Clippable Quote
"Think before you speak. Read before you think." - Fran Lebowitz
I'm thankful for the resolution of a family member's recent health scare - and the medical personnel who made it happen. There is nothing quite as satisfying as breaking the news to someone you love that "The doctor has fixed you." - Jim Baumann, Executive Editor
Local theater is back in a big way this holiday season, and I couldn't be more thankful for it. We attended two Broadway in Chicago musicals this fall, and they were amazing. After not seeing any shows for a few years, my family and I are thrilled to back at the theater enjoying these performances together! - Kelly Vold, Senior Digital Editor/Engagement
Let's be thankful for a Thanksgiving meal, or really, any meals. For many in the suburbs, they've been harder to come by, so food pantries are busier. Then let's be thankful for food pantry volunteers, longtime ones like those pictured in last weekend's editions and new ones like my wife, Michelle. - Neil Holdway, Deputy Managing Editor/Late News
I'm thankful that my kids are back in school working with their wonderful teachers. In this day and age, teachers deserve our respect more than ever. Educators have been through a lot the past two years and they deserve our appreciation. - Travis Siebrass, Deputy Managing Editor/Online
The Nov. 8 election was conducted smoothly and peacefully, so I'm thankful for engaged voters and respect for democracy. We'll get to do it all again in April with the local consolidated election. - Michelle Holdway, News Editor
I'm thankful for everyone who has donated to local nonprofit groups committed to helping people in need. Many suburban organizations are poised to do inspiring work this holiday season. But they couldn't do it without the generous support of donors. - Robert Sanchez, City Editor
I give thanks every day for the blessings of family my wife and sons have given me over the past 35 years. But this year, my grateful thoughts turn also to my own parents, brother and sister. I would have none of what's meaningful in life today without their ever-constant guidance, affection and love. - Jim Slusher Managing Editor for Administration and Opinion
This year is my first Thanksgiving as a U.S. citizen. I have greater appreciation for what it means to belong somewhere, to call America my country and see myself as part of its mosaic of great immigrant stories. That means not only being thankful for its promise that brought millions like myself to these shores, but also reckoning with the injustices of its past and not allowing that history to blight its future. - Madhu Krishnamurthy, Diversity Editor/Assistant City Editor
There are so many things to be thankful for this year, including my family's health and life feeling a little more back to normal - especially with in-person school, activities, sports and entertainment options. It's the little things that I appreciate most. - Caroline Linden, Director of Community and Entertainment News
On a recent travel, I saw a donkey standing motionless at a fence, staring ahead with blank eyes almost endlessly. It reminded me how blessed we are by our lifelong sense of wonder and our never ending quest for discovery. I am so thankful for that. - John Lampinen, retiree, former Editor
Some of you reading today may be new subscribers or occasional readers. Many of you have been with us for years. We are grateful for your continued trust in, and support of, local journalism. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and wish you the happiest of holidays. - Lisa Miner, Managing Editor for News