Daddy's Christmas Angel

Monday, October 31, 2011

Making An Impact

Every now and then, someone comes along who is bigger than life. Sometimes we don't realize or appreciate the impact of that person until he/she is gone.

Earlier this month, our little town lost a special citizen--a man who adopted this community just over a decade ago. He saw possibilities where others saw problems. He was a visionary who believed in a small southern town that sometimes got lost in its own history.

Now, as I look down the main street, I see a roadway and sidewalks transformed and updated because of his dedication and efforts that helped propel the community into action. Because he was a beekeeper, I'll always think of him when I see a jar of honey. When I watch people play tennis on the town courts, I'll remember the joy he gained from early morning matches.

He was involved in so much. I interviewed him at least three times for profile stories in the Daily Press. He worked with Meals on Wheels, the Good Neighbor Center, the local schools, Kiwanis, and more.

When I look at the daylillies blooming along the town streets, I'll remember the cold day he went with my husband to dig up the donated plants from a nursery field in a neighboring county. I'll remember and be glad I knew this man and that he came to our community.

He made an impact. Are you making an impact?

6 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sounds like a special person! They don't happen often unfortunately.
I hope I'm making a difference to somebody...

Michael Di Gesu said...

What a lovely tribute Monti.... He sounds very special.

Writer's will make a difference with there words. WE all touch other with our passion.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Alex, you are making a difference to many of us in the world of blogs! Thank you!!!

Thanks, Michael. He was a very special man. Sometimes we don't realize the importance of others until they are gone. I hope he realized how much his efforts were really appreciated! Writers do make a difference with our words. That can be for good or for bad. We need to remember that!

Marian Allen said...

He sounds great! What was his name?

Marian Allen
Fantasies, mysteries, comedies, recipes

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

His name was Andy Conklin, a retired merchant marine ship commander. Our town will really miss his energy and enthusiasm. Thanks for asking, Marian.

Enid Wilson said...

Such persons are rare but we thank every day for having met them. I'd hope I've made an impact, at least to make my readers laugh.

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