As we navigate through 2025, the essence of thankfulness has taken on new meaning following the challenges of the past year. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene left many CSRA families in a prolonged state of recovery, as they witnessed their communities rebuild piece by piece.
Adding to this struggle was a 40-day government shutdown that tested the resilience and patience of countless residents. Gratitude, therefore, has become a conscious choice for many—a virtue they must nurture amidst adversity.
In my conversations with individuals connected to the CSRA, both here and abroad, their diverse experiences reveal a common thread: gratitude’s ability to thrive even in difficult times.
For Aprile Evans, an Augusta native, who is currently a school guidance counselor in Stuttgart, Germany, her sense of gratitude begins with a simple yet profound opportunity—the chance to come home. After enduring over a month without pay due to the government shutdown, Aprile expressed her joy at being able to return to Augusta for the holidays with her daughter, Micaah.
“I’m most thankful that the shutdown is over; it allows me to bring my daughter home to see family and friends,” she said.
Leaning on her faith as she faced financial strain while supporting a high school senior, Aprile found inspiration in her mother’s enduring resilience.
“She has taught me to always trust God, no matter what life brings,” she said.
Her daily nature walks through Germany’s picturesque mountains offered her moments of tranquility, during which she witnessed “the goodness of God” in the stillness around her. Even in challenging times, her military community remained a source of strength, reminding her that “there are still good people in the world.”
Augusta’s own artist and producer, Thomas “J.Soul” Burroughs, found his gratitude deeply intertwined with his musical journey.
“I’m thankful for my God-given musical gift,” he stated firmly. After returning to Augusta from Atlanta, Thomas felt reassured that grounding his music in faith would shape his path. “If I keep my music centered on God, He will take care of me,” he said.
Not only does he draw inspiration from his creative process, he also credits his mother’s unwavering devotion and energy. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Thomas reflected on how fortunate he is that his home suffered only minor damage compared to the devastation others faced.
“Seeing how much others endured has made me even more thankful,” he said.
His support network—his Mt. Calvary Baptist Church family and fellow musicians—encourages him to serve through his art and uphold the legacy of his late father, Carl “Sonny Soul” Burroughs, the Augusta radio voice behind Soul Express, a respected producer, and a longtime friend of James Brown, as reported by the Digital Library of Georgia.
Retired United States Marine and author Laurence “Lonz” Cook carries gratitude that spans generations and geographical boundaries. Though he now resides in Alpharetta, Georgia, his Augusta, Georgia upbringing and his family’s deep roots in the city remain integral to his identity.
“The greatest thing I’m grateful for is family—seeing generations unite and inspire greatness,” he said.
His bond with his military service members is another source of gratitude. “Every year we gather, aware that last year could have been the final time we saw one another,” he said.
Lonz also finds fulfillment in the reactions his novels elicit from readers.
“It’s an indescribable feeling when someone expresses excitement about a story I’ve written,” he said.
Writing outside his usual genre has pushed him to grow, while connecting with readers worldwide has shown him the universality of storytelling. On a simpler note, he treasures his morning coffee—a moment of calm where he thanks God and watches the sunrise. His experiences traveling have enriched his understanding of history and the far-reaching influence of Black communities. Witnessing his neighbors come together to help his stepmother after last year’s storm deeply moved him and reinforced the idea that community can function like family, regardless of blood ties.
April Bechtel, 42, lives in Martinez, where she has spent the last 18 years building a life defined by routine, responsibility, and resilience. Originally from Gold Beach, Oregon, she now calls the Central Savannah River Area home—not simply because she lives here, but because this is where her life has taken shape. It is where she is rearing her children, building stability and finding community.
She works as a cosmetologist, a profession that places others’ trust directly in her two hands. Day after day, people sit in her chair not only for a service, but for conversation, familiarity and care. Over time, those daily interactions have helped turn a workplace into something more meaningful.
When asked what she is most thankful for, Bechtel points first to her two children, Kierstyn and Elijah. Her gratitude is not abstract or sentimental; it is lived out daily. Creating a safe, healthy and stable home matters more to her than anything else she could name. Gifts and material things, she says, do not carry the same weight as time spent together.
“Being together,” she said, “is what creates lifelong memories that will outlast me.”
She cherishes the small moments—family trips, shared meals, and completing home projects
together. Whether it is fixing something around the house or packing up for a short getaway,
those shared experiences matter most. They are the moments that turn a house into a home
and reinforce what truly lasts.
It is just the three of them, and that simplicity shapes her priorities. She measures success less by milestones and more by whether the essentials are intact. Knowing her children are safe and healthy allows the rest of life—work, responsibility, and long days—to stay balanced.
Bechtel does not describe her life as easy or predictable. She views life as a series of challenges, both good and bad, and believes growth comes from how those moments are handled. For her, resilience is not about avoiding hardship but about continuing forward through it.
That perspective sharpened during Hurricane Helene. The storm served as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change. While not a positive experience, it became a learning one. Bechtel gained survival skills she never expected to need and walked away with a clearer understanding of how fragile normalcy can be.
“Support,” she said, “often shows up quietly.”
Her workplace has, over time, become a place of connection. Clients turned into familiar faces, then trusted relationships, and in some cases, extended family. Those bonds matter and are consistent reminders of how she has created a home for her family here in the CSRA—surrounded by people who show up in steady, meaningful ways.
When asked about something she is thankful for but rarely talks about, Bechtel points to quiet mornings before her busy day fully begins. Those moments—before responsibilities take over—give her time to breathe and reset. They are simple, often overlooked, and are essentially part of her gratefulness.
If you’d like to contribute your own reflections for this ongoing limited series, please send your responses and photos to nickclovett@gmail.com with the subject line “Thankful in 2025 – [Your First and Last Name].”
Nick Lovett is an independent journalist with over 20 years of experience in news media and marketing. A former writer for Aiken Standard and Fort Gordon’s Signal newspaper, she focuses on human interest stories that highlight resilience, community and positive change.
