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This blog is being published in the midst of the Thanksgiving chaos: family will soon be arriving from out of town, houses must be frantically cleaned to prepare for their arrival, and crowds must be battled at the grocery store to purchase the last of the Thanksgiving meal necessities.
Amid all the mayhem, it’s important to take time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. We asked some of our LDG office leaders to share the things that make this holiday special to them. As you read their responses, think about what your own answers would be. Whether you’re thankful for family, friends, a warm home, a fruitful career, or even just the new beginning that each day brings, don’t let your gratitude get lost in the holiday whirlwind.
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food?
Joe Romano IV, PE, Operations Manager & Vice President – Transportation, Philadelphia, PA: Wawa Gobbler… come on…
Jason Bellis, PE, Senior Project Manager, Apalachin, NY: Gravy – it’s like liquid bacon (if contested as a “food”); otherwise, apple pie.
Shawnte Watson, PMP®, Associate Project Manager, Columbus, OH: My favorite Thanksgiving dish is my mom’s famous seven-layer salad. It’s a family favorite and always the first to disappear!
Jen Rodgers, PE, PMP®, LEED AP, Project Manager, Williamsport, PA: I can’t pick just one! Sweet potato casserole (mom’s recipe), stuffing (mother-in-law’s recipe), cranberry salad (grandma’s recipe)… and samples of every pie for dessert!
Have you had any Thanksgivings that were particularly memorable?
Joe: Going to the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade with my family and friends.
Jason: Hunting with my father Thanksgiving morning. We didn’t start the tradition until after college but haven’t missed one since. I think we have only had one successful hunt in 20-plus years, but I still remember it and look forward to the tradition each year.
Shawnte: The most memorable Thanksgiving for me was in 2020 during quarantine. My whole family was home together, and we turned the day into a big movie marathon. It was simple but full of laughter and quality time – definitely one I’ll never forget.
Jen: My first Thanksgiving with my husband. We got married in July, and about a month later I left for Mississippi to do Hurricane Katrina relief work as a consultant. It was hard being alone and so far away, and I was thankful to be given the time to fly home for a long weekend to visit him and family over Thanksgiving before heading back to Mississippi for another couple of months.
What are you thankful for this year?
Joe: The Transportation Group is once again having a banner year, which provides opportunities for growth for us all.
Jason: Family and FloWrestling are neck and neck.
Shawnte: This year, I’m especially thankful for my family, my new puppy who brings so much joy (and chaos!), and the opportunity to continue growing my skillsets and learning through my work.
Jen: Many things! I’m thankful that my sister-in-law will be gifted a kidney on 11/20 by a stranger and will no longer be on dialysis; for a friend who is willing to meet me at work over lunch each week to walk and share our lives; for my daughter, who asked to be baptized; and for multiple heated devices (vest, blanket, hand warmers) to keep me warm as we enter the cold-weather months.