The Big Question: What are you thankful for?

This year, we all have a lot of reasons to be thankful. We asked our agents, colleagues and friends in the Chicagoland community to share what they are most thankful for as the holiday season approaches.

Tune in below to hear what they had to say. 

Thankful for family

Family comes in all shapes and sizes.  So many of us are grateful not only for the family we were born with, but for the families we’ve created.

Christy Callahan, real estate broker, @properties Winnetka:

I’m so thankful for my wonderful husband, whom I met snow skiing 27 years ago. Four fantastic kids and one amazing grandchild later, I’m very thankful that I went skiing that day!

Lisa Senafe, owner, Bentley’s Pet Stuff:

I’m thankful for my two sons Sebastian and Miles, who we adopted this year.

Laurie Lawlor, real estate broker, @properties Winnetka

My family includes my two young granddaughters, ages one and three, and my parents who are 85 and 90. I’m thankful to have both the newest generation and the oldest generation still with me at Thanksgiving.

Meghan (Smithe) Clarke, director of marketing, Walter E. Smithe Furniture:

Family is everything and I’m blessed with a big, loving family. I am most thankful to be married to my best friend and to have three kids who give me purpose and something to laugh about every single day.

Sarah Lyons, real estate broker, @properties Winnetka

I’m thankful for my three daughters: Elizabeth, Gabrielle & Alexandra. I’m also thankful for my husband, who is my best friend, and for my mom and two sisters for their friendship.

Dave Zimmer, owner, Fleet Feet Sports:

Now that my kids are old enough (13, 11) to make more decisions on their own, I am thankful they both have chosen to become enthusiastic runners. They run not only with their school teams but with my wife and me to make it a family activity.

Running is the family ‘trade’ and we’re at events all year but now my kids come because they want to and not because they have to. In fact this Thanksgiving we will all work together at the Gobble Gallup Kid’s race and give our love of the sport to the next generation. Not sure yet whether I’m thankful that my son is already faster than me, but I’m working on that!

Barbara Mawicke, real estate broker, @properties Winnetka:

I’m thankful for my fun family, 11 grandchildren, great friends and wonderful clients who I am so lucky to have in my life.

Thankful for the little things

The best things in life aren’t things, and many are grateful for the small moments that make up each day.

Michelle Gillard, MLS coordinator, @properties Evanston:

I’m so grateful for every big and little thing that has happened in 2017.

Steven Dyme, co-founder, Flowers for Dreams 

I’m thankful for my family, a World Series, and the local charities we work with every day to make Chicago a better place.

Kourtney Murray, real estate broker, @properties East Lincoln Park:

I’m thankful for the little things. From my morning coffee that my husband brings me, to the Snapchats and memes my friends send me, they’re all the little pieces that show how much love I have in my life.

Thankful for health

Health is something that many of us take for granted. Here are a few great reasons to be thankful.

Crystal Didomenico, real estate broker, @properties Barrington:

I’m grateful for good health: for myself, my kids and my family at work.

Romy Block, MD, co-founder, Vous Vitamin:

I’m thankful for my team of specialists who have helped me reach the day of being cancer-free. More than a year ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my team included oncologists, surgeons, a geneticist, nurses and many more people who made a difficult journey a little easier.

Thankful for community

We all get by with a little help from our friends — here’s why some of us are most thankful for the friendships in our lives.

Jonny Imerman, founder, Imerman Angels:

I’m grateful this year to have so much love and close human connections in my life. All of the good stuff in life starts with human connection.

Erin Charchut, real estate broker, @properties Winnetka:

I’m thankful for my family and friends, but especially those friends who help me by picking up my kids from school when I’m working. I do the same for them when they’re working, too. I call them my “sister wives. It takes a village!

Andy Crestodina, co-founder, Orbit Media

I am thankful to my family and my team. But I feel a sort of gratitude to our city, Chicago. Chicago is an amazing community of generous experts. Chicago is a powerhouse economy with every type of business. Chicago is a deep well of culture and art, music and shows. Chicago is delicious any night of the week. Chicagoans take care of each other. We can always do better, but we’re there when it counts. Thank you, Chicago! There is no place on earth I’d rather be. 

Andrea Thome, author, Walland and Seeds of Intention:

I’m grateful for people who have enjoyed success, and are willing to reach back and help those who are ‘up and coming.’  There is nothing better than being pleasantly surprised by an unexpected kindness.

David Gonsky, veterinarian/owner, West Loop Veterinary Care said:

I am thankful for clients that have found their way to my clinic, allowing me to follow my passion for animals and make a living doing it.

What are you thankful for this year? Join us in the comments!