We asked on Facebook: In the year of COVID-19, what are you grateful for on the upper Texas coast?

Being able to hear the ebb and flow of the tide, and know that no matter what else is happening, we always have that constant. It’s so soothing!

Rita Forness

I’m grateful to have a view of the sea from my balcony, which brings me peace each and every day. I’m grateful for walks along the beach that lift my spirit. I’m deeply grateful for family and friends and feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful place!

Patricia Forbes Tewksbury

The tides, the waves crashing on the granite rock jetties, the breathtaking sunsets and the shore birds restore my soul and I remember the Eternal God is my resource!

Connie DeRome-Dryden

Thankful that my in-laws let us come to Galveston for an escape from the city life. Island time is a special mental break from the crazy!

Cindy-Kelly Seaton

White pelicans on the bay, cool breezes and beautiful Gulf views along the beach!

Trudy Deen Davis

So grateful for the time I have had with family, giving back to my community, and having the opportunity to take a moment to stop and appreciate that rest is good.

Concetta Maceo-Sims

The fresh Gulf breeze that blows each evening whilst sitting in my “spot” by the pool and reflecting on how God has blessed our lives.

Bobby Hocking

I absolutely love living here and feel that I am in a little piece of heaven.

Gregory Clipp

Beaches.

Becky Dundee

We are grateful that we have a second home to get away to and forget our troubles.

Liz Garcia Smith

I’m grateful for my health and for all of this time to slow down and reconnect with family and friends. It has helped me realize what my true priorities are.

Amy Hoff

Strength from family and friends. God’s blessings.

Stacey Gottlob

I’m grateful to wake up every morning.

Denise Sowell Shead

I am grateful that I get to live in such a wonderful, eclectic community, among some of the greatest people. Galveston welcomes all and offers something for everyone.

Forest Riggs

I’m grateful for my job. In a tourist town, there has been no shortage of work as a vacation rental housekeeper. Keeps me busy!

Amber Norris

Galveston County has time and time again proven that together we can get through anything!

Ginger Grutzius

I’m so grateful I live in Galveston where this cold front has dropped temps on my porch to 80, and the wind feels chilly.

Catherine Spiller

The fresh air and interesting people that live here.

Helen Pausewang

Outdoor seating and a beautiful coastal view!

Mandie McMillan Crowder

Being an avid beach walker, I was grateful when our beaches reopened. It made me want to cry when I would see how happy the little children were getting to run and play and just be able to experience “normal” again, even if for just a few hours.

Wanda Buttner

I’m grateful for being an IBC (Islander By Choice) resident of Galveston Island. I’m grateful for an American voice at the time of voting. I’m grateful for you and the published balm and breakthrough brightness of Coast Monthly.

Jim Boone

COVID-19 nor anything else would ever change what I am grateful for. 1. My family 2. Being a Texan! 3. Being a resident of the great city of League City!

Chris John Mallios

That we’re not in New York.

Don Walker

I’m grateful for true friends.

Jhonny Langer

To hard to just list one:

God allowing us the opportunity to help people in the community and at our business. Spending time with friends and family to get to know more about them. Truly blessed to be able to keep all of our employees working full time during all of this, and this comes from a great community that is supportive of each other.

Howie Bentley

The real estate market — people want to buy a second home to get away since they can’t travel and enjoy it with their family. Interest rate helps as well!

Eric Tucker

Grateful for our business, employees and customers — the burger life!

Teffeny Caruso

Books.

Crys Ippolito

Being able to walk on the beach every day and sit on my porch swing and look at the water.

Phil Newton