I have been writing monthly columns for the Gazette since 2009. Often, in November, I would write how painful I find it that the story of Thanksgiving has been misinterpreted, white-washed, and taught incorrectly in schools nationwide.

I also have described the annual gathering led by Indigenous peoples on Thanksgiving — called by many a National Day of Mourning — in Plymouth, and how stirring and sorrowful that ceremony is. I also have written about how the wealth gap in this country feels especially poignant as winter begins and the cold sets in.

Then, in 2019, my November column took a new and surprising turn. I began writing about what I, personally, am thankful for. Although wary of count-your-blessings litanies, I discovered that people cared to hear about thankfulness, and, over time, I have heard that the “what I am thankful for” columns have been kindly received. So I am continuing what is now a four-year tradition.

What follows is a list of my feelings of gratitude this November; it is not comprehensive, but represents a snapshot of the appreciation I am experiencing as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.

I begin by thanking all of you who have been praying for peace, showing compassion, and speaking out for justice during this time of enormous pain and suffering in Israel, Palestine and Ukraine.

Thank you to everyone who is able to create little oases of hope and harmony in these terribly turbulent and painful times, when despair can so easily overtake us at any moment.

Thank you to everyone who values loving and listening.

Thank you to all brave first responders everywhere — around the globe.

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Thank you to everyone who ran for public office and to everyone who voted.

Thank you to all teachers who guide, support, teach, protect, mentor and love the young people in their care.

Thank you to the remarkable women of color now at the helm at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Smith College and Mount Holyoke College, and our Northampton School superintendent: Dr. Lynnette Watkins, Dr. Sarah Willie-LeBreton, Dr. Danielle Holley, and Dr. Portia Bonner, respectively.

Thank you to Monte for leading his annual march from Springfield to Greenfield to raise funds for the Food Bank.

Thank you to everyone who will run and walk in the Hot Chocolate Run and to all those who donate.

Thank you to all the poets writing 30 Poems in November to raise funds for the Center for New Americans.

Thank you to the Gazette for continuing to publish a hard copy newspaper.

Thank you to all farmers, everywhere, on farms large and small.

Thank you to all hospital employees who work around the clock, literally, to be there for us when we need them.

Thank you to everyone who is working hard to stop gun violence in this country.

Thank you to all clergy who continue despite being so tired.

Thank you for neighbors who connect with and support each other, and for everyone who helps build and strengthen community.

Thank you for all climate change activists who teach, march, vigil, organize, and show up on this issue over and over and over and over again, day after day.

Thank you, Ohio.

Thank you to those who will reopen the Iron Horse.

Thank you to everyone who got their COVID booster shot.

Thank you to all day care workers.

Thank you to those who value truth, trust science, reject disinformation, and repudiate “alternative facts.”

Thank you to all those who happily give money to people asking for support on our Northampton city streets.

Thank you to all those who work at and shop at our two local food co-ops, helping to keep those markets alive and thriving.

Thank you to all mail carriers.

Thank you to Smith Professor Loretta Ross, who speaks so powerfully about “calling in the call out culture.”

Thank you to all members of our City Council and our School Committee.

Thank you to all peacemakers and bridge-builders — all those who remain tender-hearted despite being broken-hearted.

Thank you thank you thank you everyone in our lush Valley for all you do and all you give. And blessings.

The Rev. Andrea Ayvazian, Ministerial Team, Alden Baptist Church, Springfield, is also founder and director of the Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership.