It’s time to say farewell to 2017, and for some of us, it’s more like good riddance.
For me personally, 2017 was the single worst year of my life, and I know many feel the same.
Death, illness, divorce, bankruptcy, I had friends who experienced them all. In October, when my wife, Amelia died, a great year turned sour. But through my grief, I saw the good in Marion County. All of you have been amazingly kind to me and have helped keep Amelia’s memory alive.
With that said, an awful year had some bright spots toward the end. Christmas Day was a great example of people making a difference. Sometimes if you listen to people or read social media, you can get pretty down about Columbia, Marion County or anywhere for that matter.
My hometown in Ohio is no different. Last year, I traveled there to visit for the first time in several years and saw a booming downtown filled with restaurants and businesses. What do I see on social media all the time? Complaints. It’s tough to park; you have to wait at the restaurants … and on and on. The same people complained a few years ago that buildings were abandoned and the city had no tax base. Apparently, some folks are never happy.
So here’s my wish for 2018: I hope that people continue to work to improve things in Columbia and Marion County. Most of the folks who did it this year aren’t from a government agency or “sanctioned” organizations. The people who made things happen this year are simply folks who love our community. They’re residents, business owners, students and more. They come from all walks of life. Some were born here, while others are transplants. What they share is a common goal; a better Columbia, Marion County, Mississippi, United States and Earth.
One person can make a difference, despite the negativity. Each time something good happened, from a car show to Christmas day dinner, it was done by folks who didn’t want recognition. It was done by folks who wanted to make a difference and make our community a better place to live.
I walked through the East Columbia Apartments on Mississippi Avenue on Christmas day with a host of volunteers who were handing out food. I saw people who were in their apartments alone, with nothing special to eat for the holiday, open their doors with joy as someone offered them a simple plate of food.
That morning, I watched a steady stream of volunteers bring food to Calvary Baptist Church, where other volunteers carefully packed to-go boxes full of the tastiest ham, turkey, dressing, macaroni and cheese, desserts and more. Many of these people got up at 3 a.m. on Christmas to put a turkey in the oven or a ham on the smoker. Most of the people there spent their personal time preparing and delivering food on Christmas. Many had their families alongside them as they prepared food or delivered. It was great to see the smiles of the young people as they packed food, filled candy bags and dished up plates to those who came to the church.
My hope for the New Year is that all of us can help make this world a better place. It starts with each of us as individuals. It doesn’t take vast sums of money or all of your energy to care about your neighbors and your community.
Do something simple to start 2018 off in a positive way. Pick up some trash near your home, take a meal to someone who is sick, visit an elderly person in a nursing home, sing in your church choir or do whatever you can to serve your fellow man.
One person can make a difference — try to be that person in 2018, and Happy New Year!
Mark Rogers is managing editor of The Columbian-Progress. Reach him at news@columbianprogress.com.
