Welcome to 2020; it’s a new decade as we say good-byes to the 2010s and specifically 2019.
When the 2010s started I was the production assistant here at The Columbian-Progress; and as it comes to a close I finish being the managing editor. I was able to excel as production assistant and am determined to grow professionally with the hopes to excel in this position also.
The decade started with living in Cheraw with my husband and five of our seven children at home. It comes to a close in Cheraw with my husband and only two children still at home. We have joked that we are finally starting to see the light and with children ranging from 32 to 16 you will understand what that means.
During the last 10 years Jeff and I have lost both of his parents and I lost my only living parent. There have been a whole lot of tears, but there have also been plenty of smiles and laughter.
A decade ago I was still new to the area not knowing anyone outside of church, and now a trip to the store can take a while talking to friends and acquaintances. Where I basically knew how to get town, church and schools I am learning more on how to get around the county.
Finally in 2010, I was looking at turning 40, which was a horrible birthday for various reasons, but now I am looking at 50. I am fighting it every step of the way. It is not something I am looking forward to. I am perfectly fine staying 49 for the next 50 plus years.
The New Year and even the new decade has a way of making you look back and reflect on your life and turning 50 is just compounding on it. There are so many things in life I still want to do and haven’t done yet. Questions plague me like will I ever see the places I have dreamed of or will I ever be able to do this or that? I’ll admit I am a dreamer; I always have been. Now I am reaching the point where doubt has started to step in and say “you know that is never going to happen,” which I admit has put me in a self-pity doubting funk.
That makes no sense whatsoever, and I know it. Here I am working my dream job in a community I have grown to love. Relationships have been developed that can never be replaced, and I for one know things could be so much worse.
I strongly believe in the power of the tongue and with that I think it is time I set the stage for the years to come. After my husband had to come home from work for health reasons and has since endured multiple surgeries this past year, I made the declaration that 2020 will be a year for healing. Not only physical healing but emotional and spiritual healing for our family. We have endured a lot of bad news, but that only makes way for good news. I also think this next decade will be our best one yet for our family.
Not only do I declare that over my family but I am declaring that over Marion County and Columbia: that we are traveling into the best decade yet. I believe we will grow and get better and better. I believe the community will grow closer, and everyone will want to see our lovely corner of the world succeed and thrive.
Now if only 50 didn’t sound so daunting …
Susan Amundson is managing editor of The Columbian-Progress. She may be reached at (601) 736-2611 or via email at samundson@columbianprogress.com.
