The economy stinks. Health costs keep soaring. The trees are now bare.
But, still, we give thanks.
We are grateful for neighbors who shovel us out, friends who cheer us up and strangers who bail us out in the supermarket checkout line.
In honor of the holiday, The Salem News invited readers to send in short letters of gratitude in recognition of good deeds done. Today we publish as many as we can.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
We have lived in Topsfield for over 50 years and have witnessed countless acts of kindness in our neighborhood over the years. Recently, I backed out of the driveway and came a bit too close to the woodpile next to the driveway, and about a fourth of the logs came rolling down. Since I was on my way to meet my husband for a few days of vacation, I figured we'd deal with the woodpile when we got home. Imagine my surprise when we returned home to find the wood neatly restacked! It took a couple of phone calls to find out who was responsible — Roger Roach and his two young sons, Paul and Charlie.
Shirley Moser
Topsfield
Thanks to Joan and Jack Murphy — better known at our house as Grammy and Grampy. From last-minute school pickups, being a second pair of ears at doctors' appointments or sharing laughs when they were much-needed this summer, life wouldn't be the same without them.
Joanna, Glenn, Jackson, Ethan and Feather Scott
Beverly
A special thank-you to a woman who came to my rescue at Market Basket after I discovered I left my wallet at home. A complete stranger paid for my groceries! She wished me a "Merry Christmas." My faith in the kindness of people has been restored once again.
Linda Perrino
Peabody
Thank you to my mom for helping me with my paper route whenever I need it. Whenever I'm sick or even when I'm tired, you are always willing to deliver my papers for me. When it's raining, you never say no if I ask you to take me in the car. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your help.
Ryan Gauthier
Salem
My neighbor John O'Neill and his wife, Kristen, are the best neighbors. There are many good deeds to mention, such as the times we have gotten all bundled up to shovel, only to find the driveway already plowed. The nicest thing John did for our family was the night I was having a wine-tasting party. My husband, who flew in from Philadelphia to Manchester, had called to say he left his car keys in the seat back pocket and the plane took off. John drove all the way to New Hampshire at 10:30 p.m. to bring him the spare set of keys. He never even blinked an eye.
Cindi DeHart
Danvers
Recently I had three foot surgeries and was unable to do many daily tasks. I am grateful to my friends and neighbors who helped me: Bob and Duane Alexander, Martha Fitzgerald, Christine and Don Small, Donna Maczek and the Seybold family.
Suzanne Forgione
Salem
Thank you to Pepere Butch for installing our dishwasher. It has made a huge difference!
Stacy, Tim, Andrew, TJ and Jakey Creamer
Danvers
I would like to say thank you to my older sisters, Kerrie Myers and Kristin Kelley. Once a week on Mondays, my sister Kerrie takes a day off to take care of Avery, my 3-year-old. My sister Kristin joins her in the morning and they take Avery off on some adventure. They are there when my two older children come home from school. After homework is done, they are either off to the park, or a picnic or in the basement all crafting together. The two of them then prepare a meal for all of us to share on Monday nights. I am truly blessed for the gift of my sisters.
Katie Tilton
Beverly
I am writing to thank a co-worker of mine. Her name is Kelly Dill and we work for CVS Pharmacy in downtown Danvers. Kelly offers help to everyone around her. She never asks for anything in return and it's Kelly's kindness that shouldn't go unnoticed.
Jennifer Lopez-Boltas
Beverly
Thank you Boy Scouts of America. Thank you Yankee Clipper Council. Thank you Dane Street Church. Thank you Troop 2 Boy Scouts. Thank you all for creating the foundation for our boys to grow. Happy Thanksgiving.
Pack 2 Cub Scouts of Beverly
Words of thanks can never be enough for all the Barton Center staff have done for us. When our daughter Rachel was diagnosed with diabetes we thought life was over. You took a family that was struggling and made us whole again. You taught our then 7-year-old how to give herself shots without it hurting. You taught us that diabetes is part of our lives but does not define who we are. You have made such a difference in our lives.
Kelly Pheulpin and Rachel Thomas
Beverly
Thank you to Jude Odiorne, the director of faith formation and youth ministry at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Beverly, for all that you do. Thank you for your positive attitude, your contagious energy and your willingness to keep trying to make our community a better place for all. Our kids, our families and our parish are lucky to have you!
Debbie Ploszay
Beverly
Last August John was seriously injured in an accident and lost his left leg. We are forever grateful for family and friends who have loved and supported us. So on this day we want to tell you all how thankful we are for you.
John Pappas and Margaret White
Lynn
Thank you to everyone who helped me raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's 2009 Boston Walk for a Cure.¬
Kathryn Percy¬
Marblehead
Thank you to the people who continue to donate to Boot, Straps and More. Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who work the shop. Big thanks to Bootstraps Community Services for hiring me. And special thanks to my co-manager, Mary, who never fails to share a smile with every customer.
Jackie Hersey
Beverly
To Mom and Dad, Marilyn and Fred Dubiel of Salem, who take care of my twin daughters so that I am able to go to work. Mom, thanks for all the leftovers you send me home with. And Dad, thanks for getting my purse fixed at the cobbler shop. I love you both.
Ann Hudson
Nahant
I would like to thank the Walsh family of Danvers — David, Sue and Patrick — for opening up their home and pool to many families over the past 25 years. They run their pool as if it were a camp for kids. Everyone is welcome. They each have a knack of making you feel like you're the only person at the pool. They are a wonderfully kind and generous family who we all are lucky to know.
The Cyr, Parisien and Conway families
Danvers
My parents, Raymond and Betty Shea of Salem, have always been selfless examples to me. They exemplify generosity, support and the spirit of putting their children before themselves. With children of my own, I can better appreciate the unconditional support and love they've always shown, and for this I'll always be grateful.
Julie Norris
Danvers
My husband and I are especially grateful this year as we had a large house fire on the night of Aug. 18. First, we want to thank Mike and Erin Nadeau. Mike was on the porch when he saw the flames. He and his wife, Erin, came to Country Drive and tried to awaken us, to no avail. Next, Ida Beaver smelled the smoke, saw the inferno and dialed 911. By this time our dear neighbors, Peter and Sandra Roche, were manning a hose to keep our propane tanks from exploding while Mike and Erin did a bucket brigade from our swimming pool. Our trusty dogs, Spencer and Dylan, finally woke us. We all made it out of our house unscathed, with the help of one of Beverly's finest, Officer Rollins. The brave firefighters extinguished the blaze that would have claimed our lives. So on this Thanksgiving, Rudy and I are giving thanks for those who saved our lives.
Rudy and Tina Lauersdorf
Beverly
To our precious Ashley. Thank you for making us proud, for checking in with us every day, calling to say "good night" and, most especially, for being the most amazing, wonderful, caring, lovable daughter any parent could imagine. We love you very much!
David and Anne Tracht
Salem
I would like to say thank you to my parents, Patricia and Paul Cowhig of Middleton. They have opened their house and hearts to my children and myself. It's a blessing to have the people you love the most, closest to you at all times.
Shawn Cowhig Middleton
