Giving thanks

Clarion staff ask what Kenai Peninsula residents are thankful for.

“After seven years of being a drug addict, I’m thankful for being a year clean and for my lovely wife.” Tyler Carroll, Soldotna

“I was born in Sacramento (California), but I live here now, so I’m thankful for Alaska.” Kayla Culbertson, Soldotna

“My family.” Ryan Huerta, Kenai

“I work for the Food Bank, so I’m extremely thankful to be able to help.” Paul Sutherland, Soldotna

“Family and life in general. Life’s too short and we’re always bringing new people into our lives.” Jessica Small, Kenai

8211;Treasa Cooper, 17, Nikiski

”I’m thankful for my supportive family.” &

“I’m grateful for my mother, Anita, who adopted me recently.” -Liz Oliva, 18, Nikiski

I’m grateful I have a roof over my head, and my husband and my family. I’m grateful for my job. This may be my longest job I’ve had, and I love my boss and I love the conversations I have with customers. Jessica Tautfest, 26, Nikiski

233;) and our wonderful customers. We have a regular group of customers in here every day. Bobbi Stelljes, 73, Soldotna

“I’m most grateful for my family, friends and probably growing up in Alaska is one of the things that I’m most grateful for. I think about how people grow up in cities and don’t get to experience what we experience.” Emily Glaves, Soldotna, 20

I’m thankful for small towns and hardworking people. I grew up in Eagle River and Wasilla — which is not so small anymore — and now I’m in Kasilof. My favorite thing about Kasilof is the post office is cold. I’ve realized that’s because all the people going in and out are holding the door for each other. So I guess that’s what I’m thankful for: a cold entryway in a post office. Aimee Cassidy, 36, Kasilof

I’m grateful for my family, and I know that sounds cheesy. I’ve got two kids under the age of two, a wonderful husband. I’m just now experiencing the depth of that love. I’ve heard people talking about it, but you don’t know until you experience it — now I see how humans have survived for millennia because of those bonds, and we’re not not random molecules floating around. There’s this power of love behind it. Victoria Florey, 32, Soldotna

8230; And I’m grateful I can get treatment in Anchorage, Soldotna, and Homer. Debi Poore, 67, Homer

8230; There’s a stillness in it, and I’m reminded that I find refuge in my breath. When I exhale, I’m what we call ‘home.’ I have everything I need there, and cancer is a footnote to that, cancer is a detour&

Right now I’m in the midst of cancer treatment, and I’m grateful for my family and friends. Next to that, I’m grateful for my practice — I have a long-standing Buddhist practice&

“Tsalteshi trails!” Pete Sprauge, Soldotna, 67

“I am grateful for family and friends.” Linda McMillan, Sterling *would rather not say age*

“I’m thankful that my adopted son was contact by his biological brother after 50 years. When he called, my son thought it was a crank call at first. He hung up and got a call right back. It turns out that fellow lives about 10 miles from my brother in Oregon. He found something out about his blood. He told me ‘there’s a hole in my heart that’s been filled.’” Joan Hett, Kenai, “Over 70”