There’s much to be thankful for, especially during this season of gratitude. A recent survey conducted by YouGov revealed that most people express their deepest appreciation for family and friends, followed by health, faith, and other aspects of life. However, residents of Fort Worth may have their unique perspectives on gratitude. We reached out to several individuals in and around Tarrant County to discover what they cherish most.
Frederick W. Gooding Jr., an associate professor of African American Studies at TCU, shared, “What am I grateful for? Why, the gift of life, of course! Every morning, I feel a magical and mystical energy coursing through my veins, reminding me to value the present despite life’s challenges. I resonate with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s insight that we face many difficult days ahead in our pursuit of true racial reconciliation. Yet, as long as I am alive, so too shall my hope endure.”
Will Douglas, CEO and artist in residence at the Guitar Studio in Fort Worth, expressed his gratitude for his students: “I’m incredibly thankful for my students at the Guitar Studio. When I took over in 2021, many were in awe of the founder, Michael Dailey, who had an impressive career. I was just starting out, yet they all chose to stay, and the support from the Fort Worth community has been phenomenal. I must also acknowledge my wife, Courtney, who is my business partner. The studio wouldn’t function without her incredible support.”
Sean Russell, frontman of Cut Throat Finches and a seasoned activist, shared, “I’m thankful for the people in my life who may not share my beliefs but respect my views. It’s refreshing to be surrounded by those who can graciously accept differing opinions, especially when many who share my beliefs struggle to extend the same courtesy.”
Lauren Wallis, an immigration attorney at the Mills Firm in Fort Worth, noted, “While many would say family, I’m grateful for those quiet moments with my family. The stillness in the morning allows us to reflect and prepare for the chaos of the day ahead. In the hectic atmosphere of work, these small moments provide essential peace, whether I enjoy a cup of tea or meditate on affirmations and scripture.”
Dana Deatherage, owner and pitmaster at Double D BBQ in Bluff Dale, expressed his gratitude: “This year, I have countless reasons to be thankful. I’m blessed to still have both my parents in good health at 80 and 81. My wife’s unwavering support in my business endeavors is invaluable, as is the promising future my daughter and son-in-law are building together. I’m grateful for my family, my thriving business, and the artists who have trusted us to host them at Double D BBQ.”
Teresa Patterson, manager of TC Paddlesports at Panther Island, emphasized the importance of friendship: “I am most grateful for my friends. We experienced a stressful move after losing our land, but our friends, especially Donna Morgan, provided us and our ten cats with shelter during our home’s reconstruction. I also appreciate living in a city that values nature and the river that flows through it, as many municipalities overlook such treasures.”
Donna Floyd, founder and executive director of Justin’s Place, a nonprofit supporting single mothers in Fort Worth, shared her gratitude for local leadership: “I want to express my appreciation for our city’s leadership, including Mayor Mattie Parker and the City Council. Their relentless efforts to create a thriving environment for families are commendable. I am particularly thankful for their initiatives to support vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness and single mothers. Their commitment is helping to make Fort Worth one of the finest cities in the nation.”
