Today, thoughts turn to expressions of thanks

Giving thanks. Two simple words that in the reverse combination describe this special day for all Americans.

Thanksgiving Day is a celebration of the freedom and opportunity we all are so fortunate to share, and a time to give thanks for the good deeds of our neighbors.

Vivian Gresser, writing on behalf of the employees of the town of Hampden, thanks everyone who participated in efforts to raise money for the Kristin Ready Lessard fund to benefit the young Ellsworth woman who is facing cancer for the second time.

Whether it was washing cars or having them washed, attending the benefit supper or auction, buying or selling tickets, donating money or working or cooking for the various events, it was appreciated.

Benefit organizers also thank the Hampden VFW for use of its hall, the Hampden Kiwanis for use of its equipment and the Husson College men’s soccer team for serving as waiters and busboys.

Christine Dipompo of Brewer is “extremely grateful” for the Brewer ambulance crew who came to her home within minutes after calling 911 one Sunday evening when she was sick and alone.

She believes we are fortunate “to have such fantastic medical services” in our area and appreciates the promptness and caring of those who come to our aid in time of need.

On behalf of Catholic Charities Maine, Aroostook Building Materials Bank in Caribou, CCM program director Dixie Shaw thanks “the many volunteers who helped make our sixth annual broccoli-gleaning project a success” this fall.

More than 120 volunteers from Portland to St. Agatha helped pick more than 1,000 boxes of broccoli that was shipped to Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn for distribution to food pantries and soup kitchens throughout Maine.

For some people, being with family might not be possible without the help of others.

That is why Jim and Rella Neal and other staff at Capital Ambulance in Bangor are so happy to be part of its “Home for the Holiday” program.

Now in its sixth year, Capital Ambulance will have four wheelchair vans transporting clients from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today throughout the Greater Bangor Area to reunite clients with their families for Thanksgiving.

So, if you see a Capital Ambulance pulling into a neighbor’s driveway today, it might not be for a sad reason: It might be one that is making everyone in that home very, very happy!

Ralph and Jeannie Dicks were on a Sunday drive and left their cell phone and checkbook on top of their car in Milo, then drove off.

The individual who found the checkbook “took it to the police and they brought it to us,” the Dickses wrote, and they extend their grateful thanks to that unknown person.

The man who found their cell phone “showed up at our door,” and they were “so shocked, we did not thank him properly.”

To those honest individuals, the Dickses say: “Thank you for giving us back our faith in our fellow man and to the people of Milo: You are wonderful!”

Lisa Leikas of Ashtabula, Ohio, e-mailed the Bangor Daily News and related that she had become “lost after dark in Bangor” while in Maine. “Being somewhat night-blind, I was anxious to find a motel,” she wrote. “A gentleman heard me asking for directions at McDonalds. He didn’t just give directions, he led us all the way to a motel. If he is any indication of the populace of Bangor, you have a great city.”

For those who have recently lost a loved one, this is going to be a difficult Thanksgiving and our thoughts and prayers are with all who find themselves with an empty place at their Thanksgiving Day table.

Within one week, Bangor lost two physicians whose lives truly made a difference to thousands who were fortunate enough to be in their care.

And while we mourn the passing of Dr. Parker Harris and Dr. Maynard Beach, we also give thanks for their presence among us.

We are especially grateful that they chose to live and work in eastern Maine and help make our lives and the lives of those came in contact with them so much better.

Parker Harris not only practiced medicine but was an active community member who worked to improve the lives of others through education.

Maynard Beach not only brought joy to others through improved health, but through his music and a willingness to extend his hand to those in need.

To the Harris and Beach families, we extend our deepest sympathy.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.