As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we asked our attorneys and staff to tell us what they are thankful for. Here’s a compilation of their responses. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
“I began the adventure with the law in May 1965. Since that time and to this date, I have been lucky. I have worked with great trial lawyers of unquestioned ability and character.” ~ Thomas W. Christian, Partner
“When I consider the things in my life that I am thankful for, the “things” aren’t things at all, they are people, relationships and memories. I was fortunate to have a loving family when I was growing up. Things weren’t always easy, but my parents were there and let me know they loved me. I have great memories of my mom and dad and for those I am thankful. I am thankful for my husband. We have had little and we have had plenty. In both, we have had each other. We have loved through hard times and good times. We have laughed together, cried together and are thankful we can “do life” together. My husband and I have two awesome children (one here and one in heaven), one great son-in-law and two perfect grandsons. They are all blessings and are some of the “things” I am most thankful for. Purpose to make a memory with your family this Thanksgiving, I plan to make lots of them.” ~ P. Jane Edgerton, Assistant to Duncan Y. Manley, Thomas W. Christian, David L. Faulkner, Judge R.A. “Sonny” Ferguson, and David B. Walston
“In this time of great unrest and unspeakable brutality in parts of the world, I am particularly thankful for the freedoms this country provides – freedom to worship as I choose, freedom to speak my mind, a free press, and the freedom to assemble. As Americans, we often take these rights for granted, even though they are completely unheard of in many countries.” ~ Sharon D. Stuart, Partner
“I am most thankful for my family. We are very close, and we love spending time together. I realize that everyone is not as fortunate as we are in that respect. They are my greatest earthly treasure.” ~ Dana M. Lindsey, Assistant to Bill D. Bensinger and Jonathan W. Macklem.
“Perhaps it is because Veterans Day is so close in time to Thanksgiving, but I find myself this time every year reflecting on the sacrifices and bravery of American veterans. I am thankful for those brave men and women who have served this great country in military service, especially my father Maj. Paul Vercher and my brother Col. Robert Vercher.” ~ Michael A. Vercher, Partner
“I’m thankful for my pets (two dogs and a cat) – they are consistently supportive and only as demanding as nature requires. I’m also thankful for the beauty of nature. Autumn delights my senses every year.” ~ Julie G. Guier, Assistant to Bradley R. Hightower and Daniel D. Sparks
“I am thankful that my husband has taken over the responsibility of frying our turkey each year so I have more room in my oven for other things.” Patti M. Young-Adamson, Controller
“When I think of Thanksgiving, I remember family times spent in Michigan, over the river and through the woods, at Grandmother’s house. One in particular occurred when I was 5 and my sister was 8. After the feast, we pulled on our thick leggings, heavy coats, snow boots, mittens and hats, and ran outside to play in the deep snow. I spied a small sheet of ice and hurried to slide across it. Carole, being more cautious than I, stepped one foot on it and the ice cracked. I was already waist deep in frigid water, clinging to the edge of an uncovered well, the deep water quickly soaking into my heavy clothing. Carole, unsuccessful in pulling me out, ran screaming that ‘Lois fell into a mud puddle.’ I am thankful for memories and for her quick action in saving my life that day.” ~ Lois A. Medders, Accounting
“I am thankful for so many things, it is impossible to fully state them. However, I am most thankful for every day God gives me to enjoy family, faith, friends and freedom.” ~ Richard F. Ogle, Partner
“I’m so very thankful for my family. My children and my grandson are the major lights in my life. They are definitely the greatest blessing that God has given me. I’m especially thankful that my husband is still here with us as he had a massive heart attack in 2014. I’m very thankful for my friends, especially the true lifetime friends that I have. They know who they are and they are just like family members to me. I’m very blessed and thankful that we have an awesome God who always loves us and will always be here for us. We have a wonderful church. We live in a great country and have many freedoms that other countries do not have. I’m very thankful for all these joys and privileges. I’m very thankful for my job. I work for an awesome law firm that has a lot of kind, caring, smart and hardworking people. I look forward to going to work each day. I’m thankful for my husband’s employer and for how much they helped us during the time when he was sick this year. My son was accepted into UAB’s Master’s Nurse Practitioner Program, and I am thankful that he will have very good career soon. I’m thankful that my daughter gets to be a stay-at-home mom. Time flies by and children grow up so fast. I’m thankful that she gets to spend every minute watching her baby grow up. I look forward to being blessed with more grandchildren and watching my children grow up with their own families and be healthy, happy and successful adults.” ~ Laurie S. Lorino, Human Resources Manager
“I am thankful for the number of people who have invested in my life without considering what return I might be able to give them.” ~ Richard E. Smith, Partner
“I am thankful for being saved, and I am thankful for my family. I am also thankful to be alive because I suffered brain damage from a blow to the head with a baseball bat when I was six years old. The doctors told my parents there was a possibility that I was going to die or perhaps have problems due to the injury for the rest of my life. So every day that I wake is a blessing to me, and I am truly thankful for life.” ~ John W. Phillips, Librarian
“I am truly thankful for this firm and for all of our clients, friends and those who work hard every day to improve our community.” ~ Deborah Alley Smith, Managing Partner