In the tranquil yet embattled community of Surfside, Washington, two symbols of resilience stand out—a three-legged deer named Triskele and a passionate advocate for the environment, Candace Carteen. Candace, a celebrated contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, has long been a voice for nature, storytelling, and the protection of the trees in Surfside Washington. Candace takes photographs of the deer to provide a reminder of the joy she brings to all our hearts.  Tracing her path from a vulnerable fawn to a resilient adult. Her connection with Triskele, the courageous deer who navigates the neighborhood with grace despite her injury, is a poignant reminder of the power of persistence and the bond between humanity and nature.

Triskele, aptly named after the ancient Celtic symbol representing resilience and the cycle of life, has become a local legend. She broke her leg in a fateful jump with her mother but has adapted to her injury with incredible strength, continuing to thrive in the  habitat in Surfside. To many, Triskele is not just a deer but a symbol of the fight to preserve the environment amidst growing challenges. Her survival echoes the determination of those who refuse to let adversity define them.

Candace Carteen’s advocacy mirrors Triskele’s spirit. Known for her literary achievements, Candace has poured her energy into defending Surfside’s natural beauty, particularly the trees that form the backbone of the local ecosystem. Surfside’s HOA has often been at odds with nature advocates like Candace, enforcing  tree height policies that endanger the tree canopy and the local habitat where animals rely on for food and shelter. These policies backed by Pacific county not only harm the environment but also disrupt the delicate balance of wildlife habitats, including the one Triskele calls home.

Candace’s fight for the trees and Triskele’s fight for survival are deeply intertwined. Both embody resilience in the face of systemic obstacles—one in the form of HOA issuing punishing fines for tree height violations causing financial distress for many senior residents,  the other in overcoming physical adversity. Together, they remind the community of Surfside that the battle for the environment is not just about trees or regulations; it is about protecting the interconnected web of life that sustains all of us.

The community has rallied behind this shared story of resilience. Triskele has become a symbol of hope, inspiring those who face challenges in their own lives. Her determination to adapt and thrive reflects the community’s efforts to push back against HOA policies that prioritize property values over the environment.  Similarly, Candace’s work has ignited a passion for environmental stewardship, reminding neighbors of the beauty and value of nature and trees.

In a time when Surfside’s tree canopy and wildlife are under threat, the story of Candace Carteen and Triskele serves as a reminder that fighting for what matters—whether it’s a tree, a habitat, or a sense of justice—is always worth it. Together, they inspire a community to bounce back, to fight for what they believe in, and to honor the bond with animals that connects us all to the natural world.

As Triskele continues to roam the neighborhood, she reminds us of what we stand to lose and what we must protect. And as Candace continues to write, photograph,  advocate, and inspire, her bond with this amazing deer proves that the love for nature can unite and empower us all.

Despite their setbacks, they overcame their obstacles, continuing to thrive and move forward in life—a truly joyful sight to behold. This holiday, let us find gratitude not only in what we have but in the resilience of creatures like Triskele and the human spirit that connects us to nature.

This season, as we gather around the Christmas tree, may we also celebrate the living trees that stand steadfast in the wild, providing safety and sustenance to animals great and small. And special thanks to Triskele for making us smile.