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?