Editorial: What are you thankful for?

Some cynics might say this week’s intensive focus on gratitude is overblown. Especially in a year such as this, where the lingering effects of the pandemic have triggered everything from long-term illnesses to staffing shortages to continued economic strife. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the stress of the day-to-day in the insanity of this year.

But in those hard moments, let’s not forget that even our worst days are studded with little victories that are worth counting as blessings. You saw your favorite barista. You got the best seat on the bus. You hit all green lights on your commute. While minor, these are the building blocks of life – those often overlooked moments that fill out our days.

As we roll into the butterball week that is Thanksgiving, there is an added pressure to feel the weight of our gratitude, as we attempt to appreciate all that we have all at once. Sitting around the table on Thursday, we look for something meaningful to say when asked the question of the day: “What are you thankful for?” With all eyes on you, you don’t want to be the one to spit out something materialistic, like “I’m grateful for the extra lens on the new iPhone.”

After all, there is reason to be thankful every day, whether it’s waking up in good health, or the benefit of friends or the love of family. Sometimes it just takes looking.

To help remind readers, we asked some of our community leaders in Sonoma Valley about gratitude this year.

Mayor of Sonoma Madolyn Agrimonti: “I’m grateful to live in Sonoma, I never thought I would be so blessed. I’d like to give a special thanks to our brave children because of what they have endured. We will all be okay!”

Steve Page, former president of Sonoma Raceway: “I am grateful to wake up every morning in one of the most beautiful places on earth, where we were fortunate to raise a family and intend to spend the rest of our days. I am also grateful for the strong sense of community we enjoy and for those who are dedicated to maintaining a vibrant and sustainable future for our Valley.”

Maite Iturri, member of the Springs Municipal Advisory Council and co-founder of Food for All/Cómida para Todos: “I am grateful for Food for All/Cómida para Todos and the impact on our community. We created a model of grassroots leadership, by the community for the community, that understands the needs of our families. Over 60 volunteers come together every month to deliver food and essential items to 280 families. I am also extremely grateful for the folks who fund our work and believe in our purpose. The health and well-being of our community is everything.”

Former Sonoma Mayor Ken Brown: “I am grateful for Sonoma Valley providing a wondrous place to marry, work, raise four beautiful humans and to breathe in clean air. Trees and birds, too.”

Kathy King, executive director of Sonoma Overnight Support (SOS): “I’m grateful to Police Chief Orlando Rodriguez and the police department for their compassionate service to the most vulnerable in our community. Especially for Deputy Steve Lucchetti, for his years of service to the homeless.”

Bill Lynch, former Index-Tribune publisher: “I grew up loving this time of year. My parents, friends, and merchants, business owners and professionals in the Valley were more active and cheerful, with additional warmth in their greetings. They worked together, putting extra effort into helping others. I am most thankful that spirit of kindness and generosity continues here in abundance, as evidenced by the number of Sonomans volunteering in nonprofit organizations for the benefit of others. Good-hearted people, the best part of the Valley of the Moon in which I was raised and love with all my heart, still live here.”

Whether the rain that has greened our hills, the neighbor who brings in your mail when needed or the hummingbird that makes you smile, we hope you find plenty to appreciate not just this week, but all year long. Remember the words of William Faulkner: “Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.”