KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR \ Annie's Mailbox Give thanks for things rarely appreciated

Dear Readers: Today is Thanksgiving, and we hope you are surrounded by friends and family, enjoying a meal made with love and care. Here is a Thanksgiving piece we like, author unknown:
Things To Be Thankful For
Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.
Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.
Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means that you're employed.
Be thankful that your lawn needs mowing and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.
Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.
Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.
Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.
Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.
Be thankful people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.
Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means you're alive.
Dear Annie: I don't think I can take one more holiday with my in-laws. I've endured 25 years of family meals served up along with bigoted jokes, and the men can't go 10 minutes without talking about women in a dirty way.
One year, my husband's brother-in-law asked me if I was wearing underwear, and if so, could I show it to him. His wife's response was, "Oh, now." The men are constantly making these kinds of remarks, while the females just sit there and giggle.
In the past, it used to make me angry, but I now believe they are too stupid to get a clue. My husband is the oldest child in the family, and he never speaks so disrespectfully, but he expects me to visit every year and endure their hateful comments. I have had to bite my tongue to keep the peace, because if we don't show up, or if we say anything about their remarks, the family members throw a fit.
How can I convince my husband that if I hear one more racist or rude word, I am going to scream? I wish the men could understand how idiotic they sound and how weak the women are for tolerating it. What can I do? Lilly
Dear Lilly: When one of them makes a racist or sexist comment, go ahead and tell them that you find such remarks inappropriate. Don't raise your voice, but lodge a protest each time it happens. They will initially mock you, but you can take it. And if the family members throw a fit, so what? The men need to hear that they are offensive, and the women need someone to take a stand. We nominate you.
Dear Annie: My problem is my wife of nearly 50 years. "Alice" is the sweetest, most loving, caring person one would ever want to know. She started a program at church to fix meals for those who don't have time to make supper after work. She volunteers her time to plan, shop, prepare and serve approximately 100 meals every Wednesday evening.
With all that, she still treats me like a king on my throne. I have a few medical problems that keep me from doing much more than sitting, and medicine costs take up most of our financial reserves. So, tell me, Annie, what can I do to show my appreciation for her? Frank
Dear Frank: You sound like a sweetheart, and Alice is a saint. Write your wife a letter telling her how much you love her, how much you admire all she's done for the community and how much you respect and appreciate her. If it comes from your heart, she will cherish it forever. Readers, any other suggestions?
XE-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@com-cast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox™, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, IL 60611.
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