Once again, we gather with family and friends to offer our thankful prayers for another year.

As always, we have much to be thankful for as we say grace this Thanksgiving. Lake Lanier is full again and the drought is over. Our economy, while still struggling, is beginning to recover. We still live in a glorious portion of a beautiful state in the greatest country ever known.

But we also have individual items to be thankful for in our lives, and this is the appropriate time to offer our gratitude. Whether it is a new job, baby or spouse, or that an ailing loved one is feeling better, we can include that as we offer thanks for the dressing and gravy.

And even if life has taken away something or someone dear to us, we can offer gratitude for the condolences and love that have seen us through.

We at The Times are thankful as well for the opportunity to serve our readers in this wonderful community by sharing its stories with you every day. In addition, those of us who crank out your daily newspaper would like to continue a holiday tradition and offer our personal and collective thanks for the following:

For months of blessed rain that has lifted Lake Lanier back to full pool, boosting our economy, water supply and way of life. And it hasn’t hurt our lawns and gardens, either.

That we made it through a full year in a lousy economy, and though many remain jobless and struggling, others have seen the worst and are back on their feet. We hope by this time next year, we can say that for all who lost work and homes during our recession.

For the recovery of our friend and longtime Times editor Ted Oglesby. And we offer our remembrances of Bob Campbell, another old friend who passed away Nov. 8. Both spent time as editors of this page and helped begin this Thanksgiving tradition, and we offer our thoughts and prayers for Ted’s good health and to Bob’s family in their time of sorrow.

For the new addition we just welcomed into our lives. And that my daughter and her husband are having my first grandbaby in a couple of weeks. I already have a garage full of toys.

That my chosen profession still looks pretty glamorous in the movies. And, of course, I’m thankful for the love, support and patience of my husband and beautiful daughter.

Though a few stumbling blocks have been placed in my path recently, I’m VERY thankful for good health, a supporting cast of family and friends and being able to look back at past troubles and laugh.

For a healthy family, and all the luxuries (running water, a roof over my head and three meals a day, etc) we seem to take for granted in this country.

For parents whose love is immeasurable, for sisters whose solidarity is indestructible, for friends who are as inseparable as kin and for the warm, joyful transition of new love to familiar love. And this year, I am especially thankful for the safe return of a friend who spent most of the year in a war zone.

For the brave members of the 802nd Ordnance Company of the Army Reserves as they march off to Afghanistan, and we hope for their safe return, along with others from our state and country to continue to serve.

That we still live in an place where trees are the norm, not the exception.

Those who have suffered from the flu are thankful to be over it, and the rest of us are thankful for vaccines, sanitizers and Vitamin C to help us ward it off.

That we can still cast a ballot to select our leaders, when motivated to do so.

We’re thankful for cars that run and noses that don’t.

For change — sometimes it is scary and unwanted but sometimes it can lead to great things.

That after nine long years the World Series trophy is where it belongs: with the New York Yankees.

For a renewed sense of purpose in this world, along with the continued love and support from my husband and family. Every smile from my nieces and nephews, hugs from my best friend and sloppy kiss from my dog makes me thankful for every day.

For many new things this year: a new house of my own, a new car that has a working air conditioner and saves me a ton on gas mileage, and a new puppy.

That despite all the rain, there were still some brilliant fall days when I could enjoy the sunshine over a cup of coffee on my front porch, along with the many other small joys this season brings.

For the chance to work at a newspaper. Those organizations that gather and disseminate the news in an objective and responsible fashion are more important than ever in a world where misinformation is abundant and legitimate watchdogs looking out for the public’s best interest are few. Good newspapers are one of the building blocks upon which progressive communities rest. It remains a noble profession for those committed to doing it right.

And to our blessed readers, we hope this day continues to give you much to be thankful for in your lives. Happy Thanksgiving.