In Ecclesiastes 3, the Bible says “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven.” The time for me has come to begin to say farewell to the place I’ve called home for nearly a decade. Yes, you’ve probably heard by now that I’m leaving Columbia. But just as it is my season to leave Columbia, it is Columbia’s season to shine.
The Bible verse continues that there is “A time to break down, and a time to build up.” This is truly Columbia’s time to build up. A lot of great things are happening downtown and across the city and in the county.
For me, the past nine years have been filled with memories, and I’m glad I’ve been able to share with our readers and all of Columbia and Marion County. We’ve seen good times and bad together. There are some stories that were easy to write and others I struggled with. I’ve built relationships and then had to deal with loss. There is a long list of friends who have left not only Columbia, but their earthly home.
I’m glad I got to share these experiences. I was blessed that you, Columbia, shared Amelia with me, and that in her death you shared our grief. I’ll never forget the thousands who came to her visitation after she passed. I’ll never forget the kind gestures from people picking up tabs at restaurants to calls and texts when I needed them most.
I’ll also never forget sharing Dec. 23, 2014, with you. The day the tornado struck Columbia was like no other in my career. Lives were lost, and business and homeowners lost their dreams and memories. But our community came together, and we’ve become even stronger. We’ve become Columbia Strong.
There were also good times. Many of those good times came on the football field or baseball diamond or in the gym on a Friday night.
Favorite memories come from Columbia High School’s state championship in baseball in 2011 and Columbia Academy’s baseball championship in 2017.
I’ve loved watching kids grow up and play ball at Dean Griner. I’ve enjoyed the state championships and World Series wins.
I’ve seen the beginnings of volleyball and soccer programs and so much more.
On the gridiron, I’ve watched as East Marion headed to a state title game and as West Marion marched into South State and had several great seasons. I’ve seen ups and downs at Columbia, from a winless season to a program turnaround. I’ve watched Columbia Academy’s Cougars head to state playoffs and gain statewide respect.
We’ve shared births, graduations, deaths, fires, court cases, construction, economic development and more. For all of these things, I’m truly thankful.
I’m glad I could be a part of Columbia and Marion County, and I’m grateful for all of the love and support I’ve been shown. For sure, my time here will be remembered fondly, and I’ll always love the people and the community.
Oh, and I’ll be back to visit friends and attend events. I won’t be that far away and I want to see and enjoy Columbia’s resurgence. If this Christmas is any indication, 2019 will be a great year in Columbia and Marion County.
Thanks for the memories and until we meet again, may God continue to bless this community.
Mark Rogers is managing editor of The Columbian-Progress. He may be reached at news@columbianprogress.com or (601) 736-2611.
