Next week is Thanksgiving. For some in Columbia and Marion County, it will mean a few days off with family and friends. For others, the allure of Thanksgiving is the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, and while I’m in bed early Friday morning, they will be mobbing the stores in hopes of finding that perfect gift.
Some might tell me I don’t have a lot to be thankful for this year. After all, some 40 days ago, I lost my wife, Amelia. But the naysayers would be wrong. For me this year, there is plenty to be thankful for. I hope that even if you have suffered a loss this year, you can find reasons to give thanks, not only on Thursday, but throughout the Christmas season.
Thanksgiving this year will be sad for me and for many of my friends. I will be sad for many others, including the many that I have visited recently after their own personal losses of family members. Despite the sadness, however, I will remain thankful.
My journey in Mississippi began nine years ago this week. It’s hard to believe. I packed up all of my furniture and my cat, Miss Diamond Jane (or Dimey, to everyone), and headed for the Delta. I arrived in Greenville and began to serve as the sports editor of the Delta Democrat Times.
Little did I know that nearly a decade later I would still be in Mississippi. About a year later, the call came to move me here. How lucky and thankful I am for that.
Last week, I had to order a new box of business cards for me here at The Columbian-Progress. In 33 full-time years in journalism, it’s the first time that has ever happened. For this, and for you, Columbia and Marion County, I am truly thankful. During my career, I’ve worked in my home state, Ohio (three different times), New York, Pennsylvania (twice) and Michigan (twice). Out of all of the communities, I had never spent more than five years in any one. I’m in year eight here, and headed into year nine and I’ve got you, the people of Marion County to thank for that.
When I moved here, I didn’t know a soul. Now, I can walk in about any business or out on the sidewalk and find someone I know. If I don’t know them, they’ll still say “Hi.” I can honestly say that I’ve never had closer friends than I do now, with the exception of my childhood friends, who I’ve known for almost five decades.
The support my family and I have been given in Amelia’s death is typical of this community and that’s why I’m thankful. I’ve seen that same support for others who have suffered losses recently.
After all, had it not been for Columbia and Marion County, many of my adventures in life wouldn’t have happened. I met Amelia and all of her friends. We got married and had a wonderful life here. Heck, we bought a house and filled it with rescued animals. Now, instead of just Dimey cat, who moved here with me, I’m left with a “zoo” at home that includes Jingles, the cat rescued from Church Street by Leigh Berry and Jeni Southerland near the Berry Law Firm (and Cat Sanctuary), Sugar, the German shepherd pup found behind Wise Buys and brought to me by Carmen Waller, and Stormy, the little yellow cat, who was rescued from a storm drain on Main Street by my loving late wife.
So yes, Columbia, I have a lot to be thankful for, and each of you has been a part of that.
Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving and stay safe.
Reach Managing Editor Mark Rogers at news@columbianprogress.com or 736-2611.
