Game Changers …
Oct 01, 2016 12:39AM ● By Annette Briggs (Owner/Publisher)
I’ve always considered October to be one of the most beautiful months on the calendar. The vivid color splashes of orange, red and yellow announce in full splendor that fall has arrived—making for great photo opportunities canvassed against amazing scenic backdrops. Indeed, there is much to love and look forward to in October: cooler temperatures, captivating sunrises and sunsets, college football (I plead the fifth on whom I root for!), the annual state fair, fall festivals and so much more!
But, at least for this year, unfortunately, sad and very difficult memories also return as painful reminders of life’s unforeseeable twists and turns, as this month marks the one-year anniversary of the devastating flooding that gripped the Palmetto State. So many lives were changed forever and so many families were displaced throughout the Midlands and across many parts of the state by as much as 2 feet of unrelenting rainfall over just 48 hours, spawning a historic flood event for the ages. Numerous financial estimates from detailed analysis indicate the flooding resulted in nearly $12 billion in damages statewide. Thousands of homes were severely damaged or destroyed, and, tragically, precious lives were lost to the storm.
Yes, there are difficult memories still left to process, with many still feeling the after effects. My family was personally impacted, as well as several of Natural Awakenings of Columbia’s advertising partners—some of whom lost everything.
But we are a very resilient, stubborn and determined “bunch” in South Carolina; and these are fabulous character traits for very trying times! For every difficult memory that fills my eyes with tears, there are so many more that cause my heart to leap with pride, respect and honor as I recount story after story of everyday “heroes” that proved to be difference makers at a time when it mattered most: These include first responders; city and state officials; military personnel; law enforcement; churches and nonprofit organizations; schools; and, quite literally, dozens of individuals like you and me that put it all on the line for someone else and chose to remain nameless. … Isn’t that great?!
The quality, content and virtue of one’s character STILL count for much in my mind; and it is on this solid ground of hope and expectancy that we can build, and even rebuild, upon with optimism. This month’s editorial theme is Community Game Changers. Need I say more? I want to sincerely thank every person that helped to bring us all through. You are the inspiration for the very words that I have written here and the optimism by which I welcome and receive October … with open arms!
Changed by you,
