When a major winter weather event rages, how can we count the blessings?

Even in a record-breaking winter storm, our family is warm, entertained and connected in the Tri-Cities.

I am grateful and would like to thank all who contributed to our family's well being two weeks ago.

A hearty "thank you!" to the engineers, technicians, supervisors and support persons who kept our heat on, our water flowing, and our internet connected as the weather beat down around our doors.

As a physician's wife, I know that health issues don't wait for the weather, so I am thankful to all those devoted -- and cold -- road workers and public safety personnel who kept the highways plowed, open and safe for my husband as he ventured out into the storm to care for his patients.

As a mother and grandmother, I am thankful that our local school districts used their discretion properly, and kept our young people safe at home when the weather raged.

As a citizen of this community, I am thankful for those acts of kindness that made life worth living that week. For all who checked on neighbors, plowed a driveway or ran errands for friends, you have my thanks.

This is our community, and even in the snow, it is beautiful indeed.

Cynthia Ewer, Richland