Evanston Says Thank You: 30 Days Of Gratitude

EVANSTON, IL — This November, Patch is celebrating "30 Days of Gratitude," stories about living with gratitude — in simple terms, a deliberate choice to see the goodness and joy in your life and to wish the same for your neighbors.

Living with gratitude is a matter of continually counting one's blessings while at the same time recognizing that the source of goodness in one's life is other people.

Earlier this month, we asked Illinois residents to share who or what they were grateful for. Here's what your neighbors in Evanston had to say:

"On Friday, July 2, 2021, around 7 a.m., near Grand Avenue (on) Prospect Street, I was having a heart attack. My dog and I were out for his morning walk. A man named Hans rushed across the street, called 911, and read my medical I.D. information to the emergency call center operator. He then asked could he stay with me until the EMTs arrived and my life-long friend arrived to take care of Sammy. I am back up walking Sammy. We have been walking in that area, hoping to run into Hans. No luck, yet. If you live in the area and know Hans, would you please tell him thank you (for me). He saved my life."

—Gerald Chaney

"I have gratitude for my heart that still beats, my lungs that take in air, my legs that allow me to walk my dogs; for my dogs and my husband, my hearing and eyesight, food on my table, gas in my car, a car; a job, family and friends, the fact that I get to be alive looking and enjoying all these beautiful fall colors...I have gratitude that I am just being."

— Lisa Turner

"I am grateful for both of my neighbors Allen and Kurt. We all watch out for each other and help each other when needed. I can always rely on them when I am out of town to keep tabs on the house, grab a package that's been sitting too long outside or if a simple favor or task is needed. They are good people and good people are hard to find sometimes."

—Steven Pucci

"Late afternoon of August 4th, I experienced my 7th heart attack. I'm most grateful to the Evanston first responders. Six or seven walked into my living room, got me outside on the gurney and rushed me to a trauma room at St Francis Hospital. After recovering at home for a few weeks, [I wanted to] show my profound appreciation. I went to Bennison's Bakery and had them make up an image cookie with an EKG image and heart at one end. Went to Evanston Firehouse #2, able to walk into their house showing from the many other rescues they've made, some not for the faint at heart attack. So, I wanted to show a good aftermath from this one 911 call. It was a pleasure to shake hands, chat and had a photo taken with a captain and firefighter with this box of heart cookies. My family here now 66 years, this citizen is, indeed, most grateful to the Evanston Fire and paramedics. Thank you for allowing me to submit my reflections."

—Michael James Schram

"Thank you Jean and Lisa for making us feel at home. :)"

—Kristin

"Today I’m really grateful for Mary who loves, my friend for many years who reminded me the importance of the sunrise."

—Nancy

Visit Patch's Across America page to see the latest 30 Days of Gratitude stories from around the country.