Like so many others, I am anguished and sorrowed by the recent acts of violence committed against almost 5,000 of my fellow countrymen and citizens of 80 nations around the world.

I will never understand the kind of hate exhibited on that day, nor do I wish to understand that kind of hate.

I refuse to give you the satisfaction of my blackened and hardened heart, made so by reflecting on the ugliness of the events of that fateful day.

Rather, I prefer to reflect on the things that have emerged as beautiful and true as a result of what happened.

Indeed, I have so much for which to thank you.

I thank you for making me appreciative of my safety, and the safety of my family and friends. There are thousands of families who will forever be incomplete because of the acts on Sept. 11th.

I thank you for reminding me how much I cherish those with whom I share my life.

I often become mired in the insignificant and inconsequential day-to-day occurrences and lose focus of what really matters.

I thank you for bringing me a renewed sense of spirituality. In these most trying and uncertain times, I feel the presence of my Maker, and am comforted.

Even more so, I am thankful that I have the opportunity to express this spirituality if, when and how I so desire -- a luxury not always afforded to people under your influence.

I thank you for rekindling a sense of patriotism in the heart of myself and my fellow Americans. We are the most fortunate people on Earth, blessed with opportunity, prosperity and freedoms the likes of which this planet has never seen.

Too often we lose sight of this and need to be reminded.

I thank you for reminding me how fortunate I am to be a woman in a country that allows me the opportunity to pursue an education, career and lifestyle of my choosing, rather than one imposed on me by a misogynistic society.

I thank you for reminding me how privileged I am that I will go to bed tonight with a full stomach and healthy body. Millions throughout the world do not enjoy these most basic necessities as a result of drought and disease, economic and political instability, and tyranny.

Mostly, I thank you for reminding me what America is all about.

It means fighting for what's right even when it's unpopular or difficult. It means giving of yourself to others who are in need, even when you think you have nothing more to give.

It means the freedoms to enjoy a life free of fear, pain, and oppression.

It means:

Autonomy and altruism.

Mercy and morality.

Empathy and equality.

Righteousness and resolve.

Integrity and individuality.

Compassion and civility.

Aspiration and acceptance.

Maureen Knowles, a sales coordinator, lives in Orlando.