I have an incredible job. Yes, I deal with all kinds of people, good and bad, but still I have a great time. I have really grown quite fond of Marion County through this job. Talking with people from all walks of life and all sorts of situations has really been an eye opener.
Because of all of that, my attachment to this place and people has been getting more and more pronounced. Hopefully that is a good thing.
The last couple of weeks the focus has been on the Pearl River and all of the flooding. Even though where I live I knew I would not be affected by it, it was still a huge concern for me. I took the role of trying to provide the best and most accurate information very seriously. When I say seriously I mean the first thing in the morning I would be checking with the National Weather Service on the river stage, and it would be the last thing I would do before I went to bed at night.
It was extremely important to me because I wanted to do everything I could to protect “my people.” My people being Marion County and all its citizens. My people meaning those who like me and those who don’t; if you are in Marion County, you fall under my people. If all my stories and pictures about the flood was too much I am sorry, but if it helped one person prepare for this, it was well worth it.
At accidents, I introduce myself first and then I ask if they are OK? I want their safety and health to be first priority.
I may write stories about Marion County, but I also feel something, too. In the early hours Monday morning four firefighters with Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department faced a possible worst-case scenario of being trapped on the second floor of a totally engulfed house fire. That got me; it affected me. I thought about those four men all week. I’m so glad they are all right, but I know they had to be possibly more terrified than they have ever been. At my church Wednesday night, I made it a point to offer praise to God for their safety because their situation got to me.
I have offered prayers and praises more than once at church from the stories I have learned from the people here. My 8 to 5 job is not really 8 to 5 because the people of this county stay on my mind and in my heart long after I go home.
Take the library and the animal shelter as examples. I have been tirelessly working on doing what I can to help because I feel they are important assets to our county.
With all that being said I have even gone a step furthe. This week I have interviewed three of the four candidates running for the Fourth Congressional District seat for the U.S. House of Representatives. All four of the candidates live either on the Gulf Coast or close to the Coast. One of my questions to each of them has been “Is Marion County going to receive representation or it is only going to be for the coastal region?” Yes, I have their answers, but you will have to wait until Thursday when we publish an election preview.
My point is this county is my home. Outside of my husband, children and in-laws, all of you citizens are my family, and while I may drive you nuts it is only because I truly care about this place we all call home.
Susan Amundson is managing editor of The Columbian-Progress. She may be reached at (601) 736-2611 or samundson@columbianprogress.com.
