What are you thankful for? we asked our readers.

A simple question. But with so many answers.

Little things. Big things. Things we have that others don't. The sound of a child's voice. A fluffy dog named Nunzio. A stranger's kindness. A set of bagpipes. A memory of closeness in a family that has grown apart. A hug, a laugh, the smell of rain. A second chance at life.

Thousands of people sent us their notes of thanks, far too many, unfortunately, to publish here. What follows is just a small sampling of their amazing breadth. But we hope it inspires you, before the day is over, to turn to that parent, that child, that stranger and say, simply, "Thanks."

I find myself indebted to a woman. We've never met. Little more than her name is known to me. She doesn't live in my neighborhood. She doesn't live in Baltimore or the United States. She lives in the town of Kursk, Russia, and over two years ago she made the difficult and courageous decision to give up her son. On Jan. 20, 1998, my husband and I adopted him. Every morning since, when he greets me with a smile that goes from ear to ear, I say a silent thank-you to that brave woman for the joy we have experienced.

Mrs. Pat Szymanik

Baltimore

An oversized belly from a home cooked meal. A telephone conversation long overdue from a trusting friend. The adrenaline rush received from your favorite rock song.

Brian J. Donahue

Berlin

I am thankful for my mom. because my Dad cant cuk. And I wudint git tuct in at niet. And I wud be sad because my mom wud not be there for me. And wen my mom wudint be hom. And wen my mom isint ther to se me. I love my mom.

Andrea Kemph

1st Grade, Friendship Valley Elementary

My Thanksgiving comes every May 15, but in November I am reminded of how grateful I am for my parents -- two modern-day pilgrims. On that day in May over 30 years ago, my parents left everything in their homeland to come to America for a better life for their two young daughters. Now that I am the same age as my mother was then, with two children of my own, I cannot imagine the sacrifice, fortitude and courage it took to embark on that voyage. They are my pilgrims because they embody the true spirit of Thanksgiving, both the price people pay for freedom and the bountifulness of its rewards.

Lorena Wilson

Phoenix

It's been 22 years since you left this earth and not a day goes by that I don't think of you and all you did for me. Richard William Foster, you took a poor little seamstress with no future and made her wealthy beyond her dreams. You gave her a life, possibilities, security, a daughter and the power to help so many others. All this and the great comfort to know you have never left my side.

Linda A. Foster

Glen Arm

Thank God for Julius, Richard and Jerry, successful graduates of the Homeless at Old St. Paul's that we run. ... They have gone from the bottom rung of life to this: one is in job training, one is happily ensconced at a rehab farm [as a chef] and one has a very good job with a large firm and his own lodging.

Sue & Don Lynne

Lutherville

With no formal coaching, seminars or reviews to boost their morale, my parents spent years turning socks right-side out, quizzing us on "times tables," and applauding at (yawn) holiday concerts. They were creative consultants on shoebox dioramas, an upbeat cheering section at losing games, and tireless repeaters of our family code of conduct. In an age where celebrity is honored as a character attribute, I find myself reflecting on the only true heroes I've ever known. Thank you, Mom and Dad.

Janet Fricke Gilbert

Woodstock

I am thankful that my brother Chuck didn't get hit by Iraq on his Navy ship.

Marie Buckland

Middle River Middle School

I am thankful for a wonderful loving husband who I have been married to for 56 years. Little did I know when I, as a teen-age Wisconsin girl, got a valentine from an orphan teen-age boy in Washington, D.C., that it would lead to all these years of happiness.

Dorothy A.J. Charest

Catonsville

Today I'm thankful for God's angels. Angels performing through people. Angels holding tears and unfolding smiles. Angels guarding my Love of Loves, who passed away. Angels guiding my helpers when I'm at my worst. Angels who kept me alive many times when I should have died. Angels seen in children's eyes. Angels holding the hurt and broken hearts. Angels easing death. Angelic newborn babes.

Donna Vigor

Frederick

The blessing I am most grateful for is the laughter of my five young children. The sweet sound of it fills our home and my soul like sunshine.

Belinda Cromwell

Baltimore

I am thankful for my self. because ef I wasit my self I wid be [somebody] els. and I like myself.

Tyler Joyave

1st Grade, Friendship Valley Elementary

In my life I have seen death, fallen in and out of love, learned, worked, done too many drugs, read too few books, found faith, lost faith, dreamed, cried, sang, laughed, breathed. I had not until recently, however, experienced exactly what life is all about. And for the first time ever, I am truly thankful.

Thank you Father, in your death I found Life.

Thank you Mother, in your life I found Love.

Thank you Lover, in your love I found Acceptance.

Thank you Friends, in your acceptance I found Meaning.

Thank you God, in your meaning I finally found Myself.

Thank you World, in myself I found every answer to every question I ever imagined.

Bradford Shellhammer

Goucher College

As Thanksgiving approaches, I remember those who I call "my family." We may or may not have been born into the same biological family ... yet these are the people who offer me love, support, friendship and a lot of laughs.

Harry Congdon

University of Maryland

My husband died this past year of Alzheimer's disease. I am thankful for the many friends who had the patience to go out to dinner with us, even when I had to help him eat; to attend movies and the symphony, although they had to help him walk; who included him in conversations even when they could not understand what he said; and finally those who visited him regularly in the nursing home.

Dorothy H. Carpenter

Reisterstown

I am thankful that God has given us each other to love, for this gives life true purpose.

Gretchen W. TenBrook

Perry Hall

Her name was Pearl, she was a small lady with a big heart. She was kind and thoughtful to everyone she came in touch with, she was always there when you needed her. She was my wonderful neighbor for the last 11 years. On Oct. 22 she passed away. I will always be thankful for the years I had her as a special friend and neighbor.

Bea Carmine

Baltimore

As an Afro-American senior citizen, I give thanks for 70 years of progress and change in America. I have lived through segregation, discrimination and abuse of my people. While I am thankful for the positives, we still have a long way to go. I have survived breast cancer and doing my own thing. I am a self-sufficient, outspoken, aggressive black activist. I care deeply for those less fortunate regardless of race. Above all I want to thank God for his mercy and grace in spite of my weaknesses. I may not have all I want but I got all I need.

Maty H. Hall

Baltimore

We are thankful for family kith and kin, and cousins by the dozens, for children dear, grands and great-grands, god children, adopted children, and all our children (hundreds of them) met during our chosen professional career. We are grateful and thankful for a long, long spiritual journey, beset with sadness, gladness, trials and obstacles, and joys and triumphs during our 66 years of marriage.

Philip and Rachel Brown

Arundel-on-the-Bay

My mom always says that your soul is like a soup pot on a winter day: it needs to be constantly refilled. My gifts every day come from my parents, from my brother and my boyfriend. They are my sustenance and shelter.

Stephanie Garon

Owings Mills

This is the chance to tell the man I love how thankful I am for him. For three years he has been my lover, best friend and soul mate. This is a man who buys me a present on his birthday and buys me flowers and candy "just because." He makes me laugh and tells me I'm beautiful. Although we don't have much money, he provides for me and our children, always putting himself last. So to you, my love, thank you!

Brenda Hanlin

Dundalk

As I sit in my jail cell looking out at Towson, I can find a lot to be thankful for. I am an alcoholic and have lost my freedom, my wife, my newborn son, my home, my job, many good friends, even my pastor and church have given up on me! But, thanks be to God for my loving parents who have stood by me through countless disasters! They have shown me the true meaning of "unconditional love." Thanks, Mom and Dad!

David Hart

Towson

I am thankful for my family putting up with me when I was hardheaded which I am every day.

Mitchell Culligan

Middle River Middle School

This will be the third Thanksgiving since our son Ian was killed by a drunk driver. Sometimes the pain is overwhelming, yet there is much to be thankful for. We still have two fine sons and out of our sorrow we have forged stronger bonds. [Ian's] wit, humor and joie de vivre will be a part of us, always.

Priscilla Moore

Lisbon

I am so tired of taking [my parents] for granted. I just want them to know that I am thankful for them taking care and supporting me. I am also thankful for their love and honor. Even though they are divorced I am sure they still love each other and love me dearly.

Brittiney Cousin

Mayfield Woods Middle School

I am thankful for the dedicated people who work everyday on our behalf, such as the police, firefighters, hospital personnel, as well as countless others, who volunteer their services each day to help those less fortunate.

Helen Dea

Timonium

When I think of thanks the first thing that comes to my head is segregation. Segregation took place a long time ago. The Jim Crow laws stopped people from different races to go to certain places and do certain things. I am very happy there is not as much segregation as there once was.

Uzo Ayetin

Mayfield Woods Middle School

I am thankful for Hanson: Zac, Isaac and Taylor.

Amanda Knaster

4th Grade, Fullerton Elementary

Four months ago, my wonderful wife pulled up all of her roots, gave up a job that she really liked, and moved almost 400 miles from her family to help me pursue my career. I know that she knows I appreciate her, but I don't think she knows quite how much.

Bob Dorman

Owings Mills

I am thankful and grateful for the gift of life -- both my daughter's and mine. This past May, my daughter was diagnosed with intraductal carcinoma and 10 days later I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I am happy to report that we are both fully recovered and doing wonderfully. As an added bonus, my daughter is expecting her first child in April -- we are truly thankful and blessed.

Marsha Winograd

Forest Hill

I am thankful that Jesse "The Body" Ventura is not my governor.

Mel Tansill

Catonsville

He said, "Can I make you lunch, baby?"

Though her sleep had not yet lifted, she said, "That'd be great."

Maple-walnut English muffin, toast dark but not too dark --

Peter Pan (reduced-fat) on one side, not too much

Apricot preserves (her favorite) on the other, watch the edges.

Sides together, cut in half --

That's it, he thinks, she'll like that.

They're apart when she eats, but he knows her smile.

It's that smile he's thankful for, on that face.

John C. Busse

Baltimore

Dad died Thanksgiving weekend 1996, Mom, Thanksgiving Day 1997. Still, I'm thankful. Mostly I'm thankful for God who has taught me not to be afraid. Death, loss and change are part of life; they make the sweet parts all the sweeter.

Susan Walsh

Baltimore

I am thankful for nature because, in fall, leaves fall and change color. In winter snow falls from the sky. When spring comes around, baby animals are born and flowers grow. In summer you can splash in a pool.

Katie Pniewski

Grade 3, St. Anthony's School

I am thankful for the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Gallery and other museums and galleries, which provide space for so much beauty. They are places of refreshment, delight, instruction, consolation.

Katherine Riggins

Catonsville

I am thankful for "The Jerry Springer Show" because without that absurdity I would not feel normal.

Lisa Freshour

Senior, Dundalk High School

To everyone who made my path from foreign student with two suitcases and $10 in my pocket to successful professional more interesting, exciting and fun, I owe a whole lot of thanks.

Mark Dovile

Baltimore

After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer a year ago, I give thanks every day for the love and support of my family and friends and for the joy of small things -- a walk, looking at the birds perched on the telephone wires, breathing in the beauty of everything I can, reflecting on today and not worrying about yesterday.

Lois Krengel

Baltimore

I'm grateful for mom and dad

My dog and cat too,

I'm not too sure 'bout my sister

But I guess you could include her too.

Danielle Clift

Westminster

Lately there has been much discussion about powerful men and their behavior. It appears from many polls that the American public accepts these behaviors. I think about the men in my life and I am so very grateful for them. My husband, my father, my late father-in-law and my brothers are faithful and loving men. They are not the president of the U.S. but they possess the qualities of decent human beings and I am grateful for that.

Cathy Junkin

Timonium

I never realized how much influence my father had on my life until he died five months ago. Now there is a void in my world, but day to day I live my life learning from the things he taught me.

Wendy A. Akers

Sparks

There are six reasons for me to be thankful: 1) Serafina, 2) NancyAnn, 3) Dawn, 4) Lisa, 5) Bernadette, 6) Pamela. They are my sisters. Even though we do not all live here in Maryland anymore, the closeness remains strong.

Joy Kramer

Joppa

Another thing I am thankful for is girls because if there wasn't any girls we would not be alive right now.

Ray Hassett

Middle River Middle School

I am thankful for being alive because I wouldn't of gotten to see how nice it is.

Kristin Holste

Grade 4, Fullerton Elementary School

I am thankful for everything. Everything consists of all the things that have ever complicated, simplified, interfered with and happened during my life. Without all of these things I would not be the person that I am today and I am proud to be me.

Liz Srebroski

Senior, Dundalk High School

My puzzlepiece, Mel. Jamie's crazy hair. Unconditional loving. Quirky dreams. Scott's grin. Connecting with Josh. The foundation with Rob. Genuine text. Karen's laugh. The unbreakable bond with my father. Memories and traces of my mother. Every embrace with Dee. A stranger's smile. Sumners' purr. Creating. Goosebumps. Healthy infant lungs. Teresa's perseverance. Seasons. A tear's taste. Sky gazing. Failure's lessons. Laughter. Cousins. Countless blessings. Quality tangents. A woman's essence. Cosmic intimacy. Kim's softspokenness. Change's constancy. Family complexities. The gap between opposites. Honesty. Magical grandparents. Faith and Hope. Sharing food. The emotional spectrum. Possibilities. Not knowing. The power of an idea. Life.

Marc W. Molino

Columbia

I am thankful for that which reminds us that we are ultimately connected with everything: Technology. El Nino. An individual's seemingly insignificant act, whether of courtesy or discourtesy. We are never alone, and everything in existence affects our being.

Judith Simon

Fallston

The moon reflected in the quiet lake.

A baby's smile, so freely given.

A cup of tea offered by a friend.

The smell of rain on the parched land.

A book, a bath, a loaf of freshly baked bread.

A friend who'll listen and not judge.

The wonders of the hummingbird or flocks of geese returning home.

The gentle caress of a much-loved hand.

A summer's breeze or winter's virgin snow.

Music that tells of feelings for which we have no words.

A friend (or I) restored to health.

The love and friendship extended with no thought of profit.

I can continue endlessly. There are many more.

Our blessings here on earth -- that's what I'm thankful for.

Sibylle Ehrlich

Towson

If I wrote everything I am thankful for my letter would be as long as the Sun Paper.

Jaclyn Crouse

Grade 5, Jarrettsville Elementary

Pub Date: 11/26/98