Cara – This year, I am grateful for the small things that shine light into my life. Like home-cooked meals shared with loved ones, a good book I can’t put down, my favorite cup of tea, the smell of fresh air, a smile from a stranger, bellyaches from laughing, and good news that brings hope. I’m also grateful for the adventures this year has brought me, and for my partner, Jack, who shares my zest for life.

Kyler – This year, I have so many things to be thankful for. 

I am so grateful for my fiancée Lauren, with whom I was able to purchase a house this year. I recently proposed to Lauren on an amazing trip to Colorado, and I will forever be thankful for the love we share and the memories we continue to make together. 

I’m thankful for my kind and generous friends, especially so given several have been willing to spend their weekends volunteering with Legacy this year. 

I’m thankful for my coworkers, and their resilience and kindness when facing extreme challenges to the work we hold so dear. 

I’m thankful for every second I spend outside, and the beauty that nature in southern Michigan provides. 

And I’m thankful for you, dear reader, for your support of Legacy during these changing times.

Dane – I am thankful for a loving and inspiring group of friends and coworkers who lift my heart and spirit. Perennially, I am grateful to live a life with my partner, Katie, who brings me an abundance of joy, comfort, and reasons to fall in love with the world. Every day, I appreciate getting to work so closely with beautiful ecosystems and the opportunity to make many small but meaningful contributions to the land. This year I am continually reminded of what a rare privilege it is to be grateful for a safe home, clean water, and enough to eat.

Maddy – This year I am thankful for the opportunity to start a new journey with Legacy, and all of my coworkers who have been so welcoming and empowering. I feel incredibly grateful to be pursuing a career that makes an impact while also fostering my passion for nature. I am endlessly thankful for my partner, Kirsten, all of our wonderful pets, and our new home that we were able to move into this year.

Clint – This year, I’m deeply thankful for my loved ones and their good health, and the time to continue learning and seeing new places. I’m thankful for the respite and beauty that the natural world provides, its resilience, and its capacity to sustain us in countless ways. On top of that, I am so grateful for my coworkers at Legacy and the good fortune to be part of such a kind, passionate team that is fighting the good fight and working to protect the natural spaces all around us. 

Allene – I am grateful for commonplace miracles, like the maturation in my daughter’s face, or when my son repairs and reconnects after some big feelings. I am grateful when I’m present enough to notice the concentration in their eyes as they play, and when my husband needs a haircut. I’m grateful for the lessons offered by the half-empty glass, and the half-full one, too. And I am grateful for my family’s safety, which makes all the rest of this statement possible.

Michelle – Gratitude is what I think of at Thanksgiving. I am so blessed to have a healthy family, a world full of beauty and adventures and a job that doesn’t feel like a job when you have fun co-workers.

Susan – I am thankful for small moments of joy, walks with loved ones among nature, passion of our supporters, opportunities for growth, resiliency.

Hannah – To my surprise, this year has expanded my gratitude more than ever. In my daily life, I do my best to practice gratitude for the little things that bring magic to me regularly like hot coffee, my beautiful commute to work, or sharing a good laugh. Current events have really brought into focus for me how enormous things, like the collective work of humanity, is what makes the little things in my daily life possible. I’m grateful for the resiliency of the human spirit and our ability to see change as a blessing when we work together. Because of the work and collaboration of good people, I am living in a world that was only a dream for many. I have acquired skills, knowledge, and access to resources that took countless lifetimes to discover and create. From lifesaving medicine and delicious food, to modern technology and the literacy to write the feelings in my heart right now. I’m grateful for all the work that came before me, and I’m excited to do my part contributing to the expansion of human progress with all my favorite people. They fuel my belief that progress is possible and that the effort is always worthwhile.

Diana – I am grateful for so much every year. This year I am sharing a picture of myself leading our local Lions Club. I am the President of the Ann Arbor Host Lions Club and this year I am thankful for the work we are doing in our community. The members of our club stepped up because the need is so big this year. We raised more money to give to back to organizations like Peace Neighborhood, Disability Network, Fisher House, Eversight, Leader Dogs, and so many more. I am grateful to ALL the service clubs helping those in need and supporting our local charities!  Where There is a Need, There is a Lion. 

Krista – I’m grateful for the love, passion, and adventure my life constantly pours into me: Through my friends who always jump into a little whimsy with me; On cozy nights with my cats and dog in our peaceful little home; And with co-workers, peers, and supporters who show up every day despite the odds to protect the places we cherish, making my job feel so much more like joy than I have any right to. Thank you, more please.

Mario – I’m thankful for my partner Vinny, dog Daisy, family, friends, and coworkers who make each day brighter — and for the quiet beauty in nature that reminds me to pause and take it all in.