Every year the Journal of the San Juans asks its readers to tell us what they are thankful for this holiday.

What are you thankful for?

• I am thankful for my children. In a world that often seems scary, I can look to them, see what strong, compassionate, intelligent people they are becoming, and find my faith in the future restored. They are my teachers, my heroes, my source of joy and my inspiration to keep going. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to have them in my life every day.

• I’m thankful for living in a democracy, the best part of the democracy is that we are free to criticize the system. Democracy is not perfect, but it allows us to strive for equality and freedom, it allows us to fight.

• Wild spaces in the islands that let our hearts breathe.

• Mashed potatoes for days.

• The Second and 19th Amendment.

• From-scratch pumpkin pie and homemade whipped cream.

• The First Amendment.

• The best friends, family and community one could possibly ever hope for. My people mean more to me than most of them will ever know.

• I am thankful to be here at Thanksgiving this year.

• A world that makes it possible to jump continents in mere hours – there are so many people and places to love!

• I’m thankful for being surrounded by “quality, warm hearted, loving” people who appreciate me for me.

• I am thankful for my family and friends who always have my back, for this amazing place I am lucky enough to call home, and for all the people around the globe working to make the world a better place.

• Brussels sprouts and rutabaga.

• The beauty of love.

• Family and happiness.

• A strong network and a generous community.

• Children. My own, and other people’s. And dogs.

• My husband.

• Wild clean water and clean air – and chocolate.

• My beloved’s companionship. My children’s embraces. The constant rushing of the sea. The eternal comfort of the stars. My dad’s wisdom. Healing and hope.

• My cats!

• Support and love of my sweetheart, friends and community.

• To be alive and in this wonderful island community

• The amazing gratitude of my community.