Though the circumstances are unfortunate, many of us will spend a little more time thinking about what we have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. After Sept. 11, the priorities of many Angelenos have changed. So the Business Journal asks:

What are you thankful for?


Mary Lyon

Author The Frazzled Working Woman’s Practical Guide to Motherhood

I’m thankful for lots of things. I’m thankful I survived my kids school carnival, my latest art show and I’m thankful I survived heel surgery. I’m happy to have children and a good marriage and friends. I’m also thankful I have a black belt in Karate. And for what it’s worth, I’m thankful all my friends in New York are alive and well.

Ilan Bialer

Managing Member Youngtree LLC

I’m thankful that my family and I live in a country where we can pursue our dreams and express my opinion without fear of persecution.

Amy Goldsmith

President GK Communications

I’m thankful for wonderful friends and an amazing family. Most recently, though, I had an emergency appendectomy. Now I know what it’s like to be down and out. I’ve never been hospitalized before so I’m really thankful for my health and the health of my friends and family.

Catherine Lutz

Owner Galice Inc.

The list is endless. First and foremost would have to be that my friends and family weren’t harmed on 9/11. Or I guess I should say killed. Everybody has been harmed. I also feel really lucky that I have people around me that can help me weather these turbulent times. And I’m thankful that this event has helped bring people together. With regards to business, though, I am thankful that companies are becoming more efficient. I’ve been affected but its made me more versatile and helped me realize that in business you have to remain aware of what’s happening and always stay focused on your clients.

Arpy Hatzikian

Senior Associate Gensler

I’m thankful that I live in this country. I still think it’s one of the safest countries in the world to live. I can safely say that having lived in Beirut and in Europe for many years. Even though a sense of innocence has been lost, we should all be really thankful that we live here. I’m also really proud of how this community has pulled together and reached out to people who are grieving to help them along. I’m also thankful that we’re going to come out of this stronger.

Sharon Gleason

Director of Development City of Hope Cancer Center

I’m very thankful to be able do the work I do. I’m helping people who are in pain and I’m helping to support finding cures for cancer. In some ways it’s a way of being politically active. I love what I’m doing and I’m very grateful to be able to do this job. It’s very rewarding and I feel like I’m being of service.