Every year for Thanksgiving, we take time to express our gratitude for you, the Register’s readers, and all those who share letters and guest columns that inform and enliven our debates of ideas and solutions. We appreciate your time and insight.
This little piggy is grateful she’s never been shushed by a public official in Iowa. She’s eternally grateful for her circle of warm-hearted friends and family; two funny daughters and a kinda funny 110-pound dog, who are all ungovernable; and a very special guy named Tom, who came along better late than never.
Lee Rood, Reader’s Watchdog columnist
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for rings. I’m grateful for the engagement ring from my grandmother my now-fiance gave to me when he proposed in May. I am almost more thankful for the Super Bowl ring my precious Philadelphia Eagles won over the Kansas City Chiefs in February. Almost.
Gabby Velasquez, audience specialist
I am grateful that, after I moved back to Iowa in June after a stint in Nebraska, my friends still welcomed me, my colleagues are still talented, my favorite restaurant still makes delicious food, and my favorite Iowa dog sitter still loves my dog. I am further grateful that I was able to find an old house, built in 1910, to make my new home (although it is a teen compared to my previous old Des Moines house). Last, I am grateful Iowa has earned its reputation as balmy so far this winter.
Rachel E. Stassen-Berger, executive editor
On this Thanksgiving, I’m forever grateful for my best friend and wife of 20 years, Brianna, whose relentlessly loving and patient heart is my life’s greatest blessing … and whose infinite wisdom and follow-through helped us acquire the family hot tub, new in 2025, to keep us toasty and relaxed amid the annual grind of Iowa winters.
Chad Leistikow, Hawkeyes columnist
Repeat! Dodgers win two World Series in a row, sending Clayton Kershaw into retirement as a champion.
Kevin Baskins, metro jobs reporter
I am thankful because I have never once wondered in the slightest whether I am loved. That’s because of my parents and my wife. Secondarily, I am thankful that our 9-year-old tolerates the ’90s TV shows to which my wife and I subject her.
Lucas Grundmeier, opinion editor
I’m thankful for the long line of outstanding and empathetic managers I’ve had in 26 years at the Register. Starting with the late, great Randy Brubaker and continuing all the way through to 2025, I’ve been fortunate to have supervisors who care about their people as much as they care about the product.
James Kramer, sports editor
I’m thankful for many things in 2025, the most being my health. I tore my Achilles twice in 2024, and after a 14-month-long journey of surgeries, casts and physical therapy, I am now able to live the active lifestyle I desperately craved while recovering. Playing basketball again, as well as new hobbies in tennis and golf, has brought me endless joy and appreciation.
Gus Martin, digital producer
This year I am thankful for my Giant Screen TV. On dark nights, my Giant Screen TV turns night into day and gives me a tan while watching “Thursday Night Football.” Why spend hundreds of dollars going to football games when my Giant Screen TV gives me the best seat in the stadium? When I’m lonely my Giant Screen TV offers company. When I fall asleep my Giant Screen TV watches over me. And when I need a glass of wine my Giant Screen TV helps me relax. Cheers to you, my Giant Screen TV. You’ve never been brighter.
Philip Joens, retail and real estate reporter
My gal pals give me a great deal to be thankful for. They quickly made Des Moines feel like home in my first full year here, and now I’d be lost without them! I can count on them to be here for lots of laughs, occasional cries, margarita/martini or brunch/dinner vent sessions and infrequent karaoke nights. Special shoutouts to my emotional support establishments: Bartender’s Handshake, Blue Sushi Sake Grill and the Mad Meatball (if you know, you know).
Marissa Payne, Statehouse reporter
I am thankful for my parents, who are my biggest supporters. I am also grateful for a healthier right knee after having surgery on my ACL and meniscus in May. I am not at full strength yet but have made major improvement since then.
Tyler Tachman, Hawkeyes reporter
I’m thankful for the teachers, TAs and staff at Karen Acres for taking phenomenal care of our son Bodie. I’m thankful for the employees at UnityPoint’s daycare for watching over his little brother, Bennett. Finally, I’m thankful for the love and support of family and friends. Our family couldn’t do it without all your help.
Tommy Birch, sportswriter
I am grateful for 27 years of love from my grandmother Bonnie (Morlan) Neiderheiser-Hamling. Bonnie was a lifelong Iowan, a journalist working in rural news for decades, a gifted quilter and artist, an amazing friend, and my first biggest fan. I’m also incredibly thankful for my mother Kathleen, who has continued to teach me the importance of female friendship.
Lily Smith, photojournalist
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Causes for thankfulness: Family, recovery, the Dodgers | Opinion
Reporting by The Register’s editorial, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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