In lieu of pontificating about gratitude, the editor sent a suggestion to Salisbury Post employees on Wednesday: “Let’s tell readers what we’re thankful for in our area.” Here are our heartfelt responses:

I am thankful that there are enough jobs in this area that my married kids did not have to move away from me to make a living.

— Jon Lakey, photographer

I am thankful for a community that cares. In a time where there is so much adversity and turmoil, this community and its people really do rally around to give and show concern for their neighbors.

— Shavonne Walker, reporter

I’m thankful that our city makes the extra effort to put up American flags on the street poles for Labor Day, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, etc. It’s a nice touch.

— Cindy Hesprich, Lifestyles

I am grateful for more dog friendly places to visit like Bella’s Barkery and Precious 9 Memorial Park in Salisbury and Bella’s Bark and Brew in China Grove. I take Jasper to Lowe’s, PetSmart and the local Tractor Supply store. Jasper loves it.

— Susan Baker, Creative Services

As a mom, I’m particularly thankful for the variety of affordable (or free!) opportunities for family-friendly entertainment and recreation in our area: our parks, the Gem Theatre and local farms, just to name a few.

I’m also thankful for a wide selection of local, affordable preschools, with staff members who truly invest in the kids they teach.

— Andie Foley, reporter

I am grateful for the people who make the community, the fantastic folks who live, work, play together and support one another. So many talented, caring people and a rich experience of arts and science — I love my community family!

— Chris Crowell, IT

The older I get, the more I see that it’s the little things that matter most. I am blessed to have too many to name, but I’m most grateful that all of my family is together for Thanksgiving; that we are all healthy, happy, and able to be in one place.  Not everyone has that luxury. And I am most thankful for my biggest blessing of getting to be Mom to a really great 9-year-old!

— Karen Hurst, Advertising

I am thankful that this is a newsy community. People connect with and through the Salisbury Post. Thank you for reading the paper.

Happy Thanksgiving

— Elizabeth Cook, editor