What our readers are grateful for this holiday season

We asked our readers what makes them grateful this holiday season. Here are some of their responses, gathered on our Facebook page.

Carrie Moore: I’m thankful for all servicemen and women that fight for our country. I’m thankful for my kids and grandkids that they are all happy and healthy. And most of all that nobody is hungry on Thanksgiving.

Jay Huskinson: I’m grateful for my family and for living in this wonderful part of the country. The Pacific Northwest has a plethora of activities and opportunities that make for a perfect environment to raise a family. I show my gratitude by respecting the lakes and forests, not littering (pack it in/pack it out), and taught my son to show this same respect; value the resources around you and do all you can to preserve them.

Sara Ashe Denick: I’m thankful that even though I haven’t done anything to deserve it, I have the love of Jesus, and he blesses me every single day.

Cree Robin: I’m thankful for Ken Jernberg; he changed my life, helped me graduate. He passed away in January, but if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be in college right now. I would still be a high school dropout with no education. Gosh, I miss him more than words can ever describe.

Lynette Storey: I am grateful for the opportunity to work with teens from troubled backgrounds who need a second chance to finish high school and also learn their own worth.

Lynne Carter: Above all, I am so grateful for my children. They are great people, smart, interesting. They warm my heart. I am very lucky to be near to nearly all of them. I am also grateful to have a little home, and always I have had food. I don’t take this for granted. Lastly, I seem to have good health. I am grateful for the unusual life I have had, and my loving parents, who did their best.

Garry Oliver: I am so, so thankful for my family, health, living in Spokane, and for our Jacob’s Well Church in East Central where the congregation is so constantly interested in serving that community. A inspiration to me and my wife Judy. God has blessed us very much.

Kimberly Lawson-Panteloglow: I am thankful that God never leaves me. … even when I think I am fully capable of taking the reins … He always accepts me back. This time, my feet are firmly planted with God. I will honor Him in my thoughts, speech and actions. I will be of service to others in need and trust in Him.

Linda Armstrong: Grateful for being born and raised in Spokane.

Arlene Shawgo Stromberger: I am so thankful for all the everyday conveniences so many of us often take for granted: clean water from a faucet, the clean air we breathe, clothing to keep us warm, a bed in which to sleep and food for nourishment.

Sylvia Mccoy: I am thankful for our veterans. I am thankful that the American people are finally grateful for our veterans who gave all at the tender age of 18. These young boys were drafted and went to fight for their country. I am thankful for all of them, young and old.

Stan McNish: Thankful that I grew up in this wonderful place we call “Palouse Country” with loving farm parents and a community that watched out for their young.

Cathy Bronson Scott: I’m thankful for so many things but most of all my grandsons. They are a true blessing and teach me so much about myself and the world I want for them.

Lorna Scott: I’m grateful for my family and the almost three years sobriety of two of us. I thank the good Lord daily for that.

Kelly Hooper Wilcox: Thankful I didn’t get hit by the tree last year in the windstorm and we are back in our home.

Vicky Frey-Stehlar: I am grateful for all of my life experiences and the lessons they’ve taught me. I think I have become a better person for the adventure.

Ashton Preuninger: I am thankful for interactions that promote fellowship even in the midst of disagreement.

Judith De Witt: I’m so thankful for my son, who took me to the fair for my very first time at the age of 69.

Susan Wendt: I am grateful no valve replacement so I can still take care of and enjoy my grandson for another year.

Sandy Brown: Salvation, love of husband and family, wonderful loving church family of Spokane Baptist Church, liberty we enjoy in the USA, veterans (past present and future) who sacrifice their lives for our freedom, free elections.

John Klemme: All the awesome men and women who serve and have served in our military.

Holly Blue: I’m grateful my sister gave me a kidney.

Fay Lyn Nanpuya: I am thankful for clean drinking water. For someday there might not be any. Creator hear my prayers.

Linda Funk: Thanks for family and this country we have the privilege to live in.

Nora Braun: I’m Thankful for knowing God as my Father. Without him, in these times, life would not be worthwhile.

Darsi Kemp: I am thankful I am alive, have a roof over my head, heat, running water, friends and family, cats, live in a free country and much more.

Kristie Thill: I’m grateful I have a job!

Craig Turner: I’m grateful for my wife my kids and all my grandchildren.

Gina Kelly: I’m grateful for Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.

Kathy Compton: Gratitude was the day I realized being a mom was more than hugs and kisses. Being a military wife and the fears behind my husband’s deployments, the gratitude I felt when he walked off the ship, home. The gratitude I feel every day that I survived cancer to watch my children’s graduation from college, their marriages, and the gift of life they passed on – my eight grandchildren. The gratitude I feel that I live in a city where there is such diversity that I can learn something new every day. Most of all my gratitude is the neverending way people of Spokane surprise me by showing how grateful they are to others … beautiful people, beautiful communities, giving a helping hand to others. Bless all of you this holiday season.

Eric O’Grey: I am grateful for how nice the Spokane community has been to me, and all the new friends I have made, since moving here one year ago. Thank you so much.

Ken Clark: That we live in the greatest country in the world.

Barbara Strong: Hearing the laughter of the kids next door playing.

Jason Fleming: My family and I are grateful to live in a town with waterfalls running down the middle of it, next to a carousel, next to an Irish pub, next to businesses called Boo Radley’s and Atticus.

Gloria Higheagle: I am so very grateful for my Creator’s love, our ancestors’ ability to endure, our Mother Nature, and all the amenities to live a very comfortable life. Thankful for my family and friends, loving life in the whole world atmosphere.

Judith Perez: Just to be alive, and the time of getting together with family and friends and share life itself. What a blessed nation we do live in.

Joni Beasley: I am thankful to live in a city with so many things to do. If you pick one museum, one park, one city walk every week, it would take years to do it all.

Dave Hopkins: Grateful for the USA and for those who have served and serve to protect the freedoms we have.

Vivian Larsen: I’m grateful I grew up in Malott with the best grandparents ever.

Bonnie Goodman: I’m grateful for my compassionate friends and for vegan potlucks.

Karen Ruth: I’m grateful I know Spokane.

Roni Gross: I am grateful for my students, who get up every day and make their way to school. We speak frequently about education being the one thing that can never be taken away from you. No matter what, your hard work is yours to keep. So, get up, catch that bus, leave the rest of your troubles behind until 3:00. And if you need to problem-solve a big worry, I’ve got your back and many solutions up my sleeve.

Robert Hartnett: I find that I’m thankful more when I have spent time with others who have less. I’m thankful for the bigger things in life like my family, my faith, and my freedom, but I try to focus on being thankful for the simple things as well. If you ever get a chance, visit some of the folks living beneath the underpasses in Spokane. They are kind and very appreciative of water, food, heat packs, anything. You cannot help but to feel more appreciative of everything and everyone you have.