A note from our editor: We have so much to be thankful for at The Colorado Sun

This Thanksgiving is particularly special for those of us here at The Colorado Sun. Let me tell you why.

The journalists who founded The Sun just months ago did so because we believe that Colorado needs and deserves deep, meaningful journalism that sheds light on the people, places and policies woven throughout the fabric of our communities. Starting any new business is a risk, and starting a news business amid a constant stream of cutbacks at the nation’s newspapers seemed particularly risky.

Colorado Sun Editor Larry Ryckman. (Kathryn Scott, Special to The Colorado Sun)

And yet we took a chance that, like us, the people of Colorado would decide that it was time to try something new, that nonpartisan, thoroughly reported news is a vital part of democracy’s infrastructure, that journalism is too important to leave in the hands of those who put double-digit profits ahead of communities.

We’re thankful that so many Coloradans agreed it was time for The Colorado Sun. Thousands have already made our journalism a part of their daily reading routine, and more are joining them every day.

We’re thankful for the support we have received from people who share our stories with their families, friends and colleagues. We’re thankful for those who have stepped forward as sponsors and have offered help in many ways. We’re thankful for financial support from those who want to help us develop a new model for local journalism.

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Your support has allowed us to cover important issues, to break news, to tell stories that otherwise would have gone untold. I’m grateful for that, and I’ve been thrilled to hear back from so many readers who were moved to write to us.

“Keep up the good work, and long live journalism!” one reader said.

“I love the Sun,” said another. “You’re keeping my blood pressure down by focusing on what’s close to me … It’s a pleasure to read! Thank you.”

“Rooting for you guys every day,” a reader said.

Sometimes, even when things don’t go the way you planned, there’s something to be thankful for.

A few weeks ago, as we were getting The Sun up and running, we were having trouble with the company that helps us process credit cards for those seeking to support us. Only 40 percent of the transactions were being processed successfully.

What happened next was astonishing, at least to me. Checks began arriving in the mail from supporters who were not going to let a cranky credit card processing form get in the way of helping The Colorado Sun. Many letters thanked us for working to produce great journalism for Colorado. Most signed up for a year-long membership; some simply sent donations.

“Good luck and much success,” one supporter from Jamestown wrote on his check for $35.

Then there was the envelope that arrived from a woman in Longmont. Inside was a check for $1,000 and a simple message in the memo line: “Bless your hearts!”

We are incredibly grateful, Colorado. Thank you.

And happy Thanksgiving.

Larry Ryckman is Editor of The Colorado Sun. You can follow him on Twitter at @larryryckman