It’s 5:30 AM on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. The dog has been taken out (4:30 A.M., every morning, whether I like it or not), my husband has brewed me a cup of coffee (he’s an absolutely fabulous man), and I’m watching my morning addiction—Morning Joe on MSNBC. The news is glum, as it has been since the early fall, and I, like most Americans, am crossing my fingers that President-elect Obama and his new team will help us out of the abyss. But, even in the midst of this time of extreme downturn in the housing, financial, and business sectors, I can’t help but give thanks for the many good things about my life and observe that those around me are doing the very same thing. Conversations with members, volunteer leadership and staff tell me that, "yeah, we’re worried", but "we’re hanging in there" and "we’re doing everything we can to create new opportunities out of the chaotic times we’re living in".

So... here’s what I’m thankful for:13,000+ Chicago REALTORS® who are committed to the profession, an incredible staff and volunteer leadership team who challenge and enrich me every day, and my family and friends, without whom I could simply not get by. As I do each morning, I get up and affirm that I will do something to help someone else today—make a donation to the local animal shelter, solve a problem for one of the staff, offer a class that will help a REALTOR® enhance his/her business, advocate on behalf of the members, or hug someone who needs it. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Ginger Downs, CEO, Chicago Assn. of REALTORS®