It doesn't detract from our Thanksgiving gratitude to include a prayer that life could get better for others. The 2021 Sangamon County Citizen Survey, conducted by University of Illinois Springfield, tells us 56% of respondents had at least one bad mental health day in the last month. Those of us grateful to be in the 44% need to remember all those who struggle. At least a day of poor physical health was reported by 45%, so include them too. We can give thanks that there were 90% of respondents who said at no time in the last year did they lack money to pay for basic shelter, and give equal time to thinking about the 10% who couldn't afford rent. Compassion and gratitude together make for a balanced meal. –Fletcher Farrar, editor