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other construction projects. We run two two-man construction crews. Most of my day is spent in the field other than our morning truck stock-up. Before the pandemic, we would meet up at the warehouse, plan our day, load our tools and equipment. Now, there is no meet up to discuss plans and all equipment is sanitized after being used. We have a large territory. The next town, Hillsboro, is 30 miles away. It is difficult when there is a job that could be done more efficiently with the help of the other crew, but now it is safer to complete it with one crew, which can take longer. The pandemic was especially tough on my family in November. My third grader rode on a school bus with a girl who tested positive for the coronavirus. Maddox was quarantined
at home. My wife and I were scrambling. I used a lot of PTO and Brandee’s company let her stay home for a few days. We did remote learning from the house for Maddox. He never did get sick and after 14 days was cleared to return to school. About that time, one of my two-year-old’s day care teachers tested positive and Micah got sent home for two weeks. Again, we were scrambling. Thankfully, Atmos Energy provided COVID-19 time off for me. Micah never got sick. This Christmas, we briefly visited my parents and my wife’s parents separately. For past Christmases, our families would rent a building in town and have a big luncheon and do presents there. I have a sister and brother and my wife has a sister and brother. There are 14 total grandkids as well as other relatives.
Kisha Winley
Service Technician Associate, Marrero, La.
Since March, my personal and professional behavior has drastically changed. I wash my hands much more often, using hand sanitizer when I’m not able to wash my hands, wearing a face mask, and practicing social distancing. I have three children, Alanna Donaldson, 18, Gregory Donaldson, 15, and Graelin Donaldson, 1. Alanna graduated from Chalmette High School in May. Instead of a traditional ceremony, her dad, Gregory Donaldson Sr., and I surprised Alanna with a drive-by party. We decorated our front yard with maroon, gold,
and white owl balloons (the school mascot). As the vehicles of friends and relatives drove by, honking and waving with posters of her school photos and Congratulations 2020 Grad signs, Alanna was laughing and crying. She had not seen most of these people in months because of COVID-19. With her 3.8 grade point average, Alanna is now on a full basketball scholarship at Baton Rouge Community College. Yet we are not allowed to attend any of her games. The same with Gregory, who is in the ninth grade and plays football at the high school. And because of the coronavirus threat, I did not attend the funeral of my cousin and my aunt. I come from a big family that celebrates all the holidays and loves to get together on weekends. For Christmas, my kids and I stayed home, opened presents, and watched movies. We usually gather with my siblings, aunt, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins, exchanging presents and eating a big dinner together. It is hard not to be able to
be around family members and friends. As a service tech associate,
I walk five to nine miles a day reading meters. Before I leave to read meters every morning, I complete the Daily Wellness Check-In. I am a Safety Team Leader in the Marrero office. Our meetings are now virtual and not face to face, once and sometimes twice a week on Teams. I do not have conversations with customers. Before the pandemic as I was walking my route, someone might ask about their gas bill, or I might inquire about access to a customer’s meter if it is in the backyard. I now find different ways to access those meters. I am not able to socialize with my co-workers like I used to. We do not have lunch together.
Yet, since the pandemic, I have gained an even greater appreciation
for our wonderful company. Supervisors and managers make sure we are staying safe and still able to provide excellent customer service.
In Herington, Kansas, from left are the Gentz family: Brandee, Maddox, Micah, and Jason, who is a senior service technician.