Editor’s note: In the spirit of Thanksgiving, our readers wrote to us to share what they’re thankful for. Here is a selection of those letters. We will publish the remainder on Wednesday and Thursday.

Value of the news

More than ever, I am thankful for publications and news media that have been willing to print and share the truth in spite of a growing effort of some media sources to kowtow to a fully biased agenda.

The need to enshrine and protect reliable media services has become increasingly more important with the popularity of such social media platforms as X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Just when we thought the country was beginning to understand the need to bring some regulation to these platforms, we were hit with the full-blown debut of artificial intelligence.

Research tells of that any information on social media platforms should be viewed with a high level of skepticism. This is scary because the respected Pew Research Center reports that approximately 53% of adults rely on social media for a portion of their daily news.

I am so thankful that we still have the Bible and such long established news services in our area as the Chicago Tribune, the Sun-Times and, on a more national level, The Associated Press, NPR and PBS.

I understand, however, that just being thankful is not enough. We must fight like David did against Goliath to maintain these critical news services.

— George Comer, Crown Point, Indiana

Neighbors’ kindness

While walking along Broadway on Sunday afternoon, my face encountered the sidewalk, and lots of blood was produced. A young couple helped me up, provided a chair and some tissues for the blood, and offered help as needed.

I walked to nearby Maison Marcel to check out the damage in a mirror. The staff gave me ice and offered to get an ambulance or medical care. Francine walked me home, and the manager promised to check on my healing progress.

I am thankful for kindness and assistance from unknown neighbors! So much to be thankful for.

— Dorothy C. Keating, Chicago

Our ‘Mother Teresa’

As I begin to bake cookies to take to Cleveland for Thanksgiving, my thoughts are on my mother-in-law, Rosette Bagley, as many of the recipes that I use came from her. Rose passed away this past spring, and though tiny in stature, she was huge in virtue and compassion.

Rose exemplified the meaning of the word “Christian,” living her life in the service to others. So much so, that she was nicknamed “the Mother Teresa of Naperville”!

From starting a food pantry and volunteering with PADS to protesting for equality for all and marching for peace and social justice. Rose, along with her husband, John, was always on the front line.

Though my heart is heavy as we face this first holiday season without her, I choose to focus on gratitude for having had her in my life these last 26 years.

“Grief is the bill come due for having loved.”

— Nancy Knurek Bagley, Naperville

My friend’s blessings

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for many blessings. But it’s a dear friend who passed away recently at the young age of 50 who causes me to reflect on the importance of humility, our relationships and spending time together.

My friend Betsy graciously and joyously served those in need in the city — those who are hungry, those who are homeless, the people in most need of support, resources and just general acknowledgement of their humanity. She also served us, her friends and family, just by being in our lives, by spending quality time with us, laughing and traveling and hiking with us.

C.S. Lewis wrote that humility is “not thinking of less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” Betsy embodied that sentiment the fullest, giving of her time, talent and treasure to those in need and to those who loved her. She quietly and humbly, yet boldly, lifted us all up. She never sought wealth or places of honor; she would be much more pleased if you just shared a cup of coffee and opened your heart to her.

While losing a friend at the young age of 50 is devastating, it is in these heavy feelings that I am reminded of how blessed I am to have beautiful memories of time spent with my friend and the many friends with whom I will make more memories.

May we all take humility to heart as we give thanks this Thanksgiving for the blessings of family and friends.

— Debbie Buczkiewicz, Clarendon Hills

Road to recovery

Well, it has been a very rough and challenging past eight months, specifically for my husband. He went to urgent care in mid-March due to breathing and swallowing problems. In April/May, Bob fell and broke his shoulder (it required two surgeries and six weeks of physical therapy to repair). In June after various doctors’ visits, he was sent to the emergency room by Dr. Nadkarni, a neurologist, due to severe myasthenia gravis symptoms. This resulted in an 11-day hospital stay and five plasma treatments.

The reason I mentioned the doctor’s name is because he was the angel in disguise who got the ball rolling and Bob on the road to recovery. And, to top it off, in October, my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer! I am happy to be able to say he is on the road to recovery and doing much better.

In addition, I am thankful for my good health and the good health and support of our two sons, two grandsons and extended family. Other problems that happened during the year were nothing in comparison to all that my husband has gone through. Even then, we have been truly blessed, and we are looking forward to a healthier 2026.

— Sandra Paszczyk, Tinley Park

Just love is needed

I am thankful this year for the happiness I feel from the love of three children and seven grandchildren as I age (I’m 75) and also from my beloved fiancé. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday as no gifts are necessary — just the love and laughter of family.

It is never too soon or too late to tell those you love how much thankfulness is so important in our lives. It is a national treasure!

— Barry Carlson, Schaumburg

The joys of walking

At 85 and 75, we are eternally grateful for our mobility. We can still walk, sometimes for two hours, occasionally sitting. Thank you to Brookfield Zoo for a terrific place to walk!

Unfortunately, so many people we know who are our ages cannot walk easily, and several are in constant pain. It makes us realize all the more how fortunate we are and not to take it for granted.

We try to get out and walk every day, and it makes us happy to be able to do so. Now one of our main goals is: Don’t fall!

— Karen and Bob Roseler, LaGrange

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/letters-112525-thankful/