We’re thankful for all of you

Thursday we mark another Thanksgiving holiday in America. We certainly have enough to be thankful for. Our country is seemingly in constant turmoil, but the holiday season can be a time of year when we come together, reflect on all that is good for all of us and be thankful for all the things we have. In many parts of the world people don’t have nearly as much for which to be thankful. Even at a time when our country is seemingly as polarized as it has ever been, we can be thankful we live in this country.
For years, our former writer Parker Knox would write a column listing all of the things for which he was thankful. We always looked forward to it. Parker was a great writer, and the way he opined about even the most seemingly insignificant things really put into perspective how we can take joy from and be thankful for things that seem milquetoast.
We can all be thankful for family and friends this special holiday season. All around the country, most families will gather for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This is something most of us take for granted, but there are still those among us who are less fortunate. This is also where local volunteer charitable programs come into the picture and Custer is fortunate to have a number of them, including the year-round Storehouse.
Think of some of the simple things we can be thankful for right here. A beautiful Black Hills sunset. A beautiful Black Hills sunrise. The simple joy of taking a walk down the Mickelson Trail in the warm summer air. The splendor of Custer State Park. The childlike whimsy of petting the donkeys on Wildlife Loop Road or seeing one of the first baby buffalo of the spring.
A friendly smile and wave from someone in Custer County who knows you by name. November weather that feels more like May. Having some of the best first responders in the country. Having someone praise you for a job well done. Being healthy. Living in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The staff of the Chronicle and Prevailer News in Hill City are thankful for our loyal readers and advertisers. You are what makes it possible for us to produce our newspapers and magazines on a regular schedule. Some communities in the Black Hills no longer have their weekly newspapers. That’s unfortunate. We couldn’t do what we do without your support, and as long as you are willing to support us, we will continue to put out the content you have come to know and trust in this newspaper. That is truly a win-win!
With your continued support, we hope to be here for many more years to come. A weekly newspaper is what binds small communities together. Thanks for your continued support and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the Custer County Chronicle.