What are you thankful for?

Posted

By Terri Lynn Oldham House

While it may not seem like it during the middle of a pandemic, there is still a lot to be thankful for in Pagosa Country.

We asked SUN readers and Facebook friends what they were thankful for this Thanksgiving and the responses were overwhelming. The following is a sampling of what they had to share, unedited and in their own words:

“I am thankful to be alive and have a husband, children, and friends who love and care for me.” — Jackie Ramsey Cox

“Definitely that I’m still healthy, happy, and have been able to stay above ground.” — Jeanna Duran 

“Facebook It has allowed me to stay in contact with my community and even make more friends in Pagosa Springs.” — Pamela Larson

“I am thankful for being alive at this time on earth. At witnessing so many people waking up to our past history, and wanting to make the changes to be inclusive to all.” — Kathleen Wells Steventon

“I am thankful for all the happy years Pete & I spent in Pagosa Springs! I still miss it and hope to return soon :) That glorious clean mountain air is good for my soul and I’m grateful for all the friends I made when we lived there.” — Helen Richardson

“I’m thankful for the capacity to be thankful.” — Ben Bailey 

“For our health and jobs, May they both continue to thrive in these uncertain times!” — Danyelle Vincent Leentjes

“The courage, resiliency, commitment, and dedication of the PSMC EMS team.” — Connie Cook

“I am thankful for the life Diamond Dave and I have lived in Pagosa Springs.” — Kathryn Pokorney

“We lost our beloved Pickle. Our dog. We also lost our truck and a camper that two of our adopted kids were living in. They lost everything. But I’m thankful that our house didn’t burn too.” — Jennifer Dawn Torrey-Segura

“I am thankful for this wonderful town I am privileged to live in.” — Dee Halligan

“I am thankful for the ability to embrace solitude, appreciate my family, friends and nature and use my creativity to get me through challenging times.” — Linda Lutomski

“Thankful that during these days when everyone is stuck where they are, I happen to be stuck in paradise, surrounded by miles and miles of wilderness, that brings calm to my soul. I’m one lucky guy.” — Vincent Fortunato

“I am thankful for being able to start school in January. I’ll be going to school for my EMT Certification. I am 40 years old and was accepted into the program. I want you all to know that it is not to late to follow your dreams.” — Misty Carrasco

“I’m thankful for my salvation in and through the Lord Jesus Christ! My sins are gone and I’ve been made free! I know I’ll spend eternity with Him because He saved my soul when I believed on His Name!” — Katy Weber Decker

“Random Acts of Kindness.” — Erin Frazee

“I’m thankful for N95 masks.” — Kristeen Harris

“I am thankful for the leadership Pagosa has taken to take care of their people. Thankful for healing, health, and family.” — Anita Vigil

“I’m thankful for every thing.” — Jackie Miller

“I am so thankful for the staff of Archuleta School District, who trusted me to come in as a new leader. This staff jumped in and helped develop plans to return to school, keep kids and staff safe and ensure learning happens. I am thankful for all they do to make a difference in this community!” — Kym LeBlanc-Esparza

“I am Thankful for my family, my friends and for everyone that went up and beyond for others this year! 2020 has been very rough for all of Us but, WE are here! There’s so much love and empathy happening, it reminds us that we still have another day and we still have another chance! Stay well, stay safe and care for each other, tomorrow is not certain.” — Marielys Fuertes 

“I’m Thankful for Family, Shelter, Food, Health, Work and Love. Amen” — Isabel Webster

“Thankful that people in Pagosa don’t behave like lunatics in the big cities...we are peaceful.” — Suzanne McCarty

“I’m thankful that Pagosa, a huge comfort of Beauty and comfort and security is my home during these troubled times.” — Ray Revelle

 “I am thankful that i still have things to take for granted’, such as my loving wife, my health, my job, food on the table, neighbors who are always there to help. I have taken a fresh look at life and i have been taking for granted just how lucky i am.” — Carolyn Schwulst

“Thankful for all the hard working teachers and school staff we have trying there best so we can still get the best in education!” — Lorah Beth Jacobson

“I’m so thankful for my family and friends, and our health and for the Lord always watching over us.” — Alicia A Johnson

“Praising God for the miracle of this life, for the beauty within people and nature, and that we live in a free and prosperous country.” — Kara Assid 

“I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful to the lord for giving me the chance to wake up each and every day healthy. I’m thankful to the lord for all the ups and downs, for all the stressful situations I’ve been in, because he’s planning something greater for me. Without all the ups and downs, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.” — Juan Renteria

Holidays are totally different during a pandemic. Even the lighting of the Visitor Center and the arrival of Santa the day after Thanksgiving have had to be canceled this year. 

For most of us, this is our first Thanksgiving during a pandemic. Unfortunately, some of us have lost someone we love to the virus. Many of our residents and friends have COVID-19 or are recovering. 

The year 2020 brought many challenges to overcome but, through it all, we remain thankful.