I am thankful to live in such a wonderful community. Here are a few examples:

On Dec. 22, the people here came out and showed love and respect to one of our heroes, Marine Sgt. Joshua Elliott.

In addition, Tri-Citians continue to support Washington Operation Thank You as we show love and respect to our active duty military and our veterans.

We got very attached to a "weed." I know that it brightened my day when I drove past it. Yes, the Christmas spirit does live here in the Tri-Cities.

The people I work with at Hanford (a smaller group of the Plateau Remediation Co.) raised $5,500 to help fellow workers (mostly as a $5 donation for lunch). They provided enough items to fill and send 15 boxes to one of our fellow employees serving in Afghanistan as a reservist so that the 60 men in his unit could have a blessed Christmas.

I am also thankful for the mail carriers and newspaper delivery personnel who bring joy to my house on a regular basis, regardless of the weather or time of day.

Also I am thankful for neonatal intensive care units and Ronald McDonald houses nationwide. They have been a tremendous support for our family and our grandson.

Doris Ayres, Richland