It was a surreal sensation for me when I realized that this edition of the paper was the first print date in December and that we’ve reached our ninth year in publication.
Nine years of covering events from Hurricane Harvey to Winter Storm Uri and dozens of graduation ceremonies to new businesses and growth in our county.
It’s certainly a milestone that I’m glad we’ve made and am definitely looking forward to ringing in our 10th year!
From time-to-time people still ask me why I do this job.
My go-to answer is that I love writing, taking memorable photos, and getting to experience all that the county has to offer.
Those folks are often then surprised to hear me mention so many events, celebrations, and organizations that are the “boots on the ground” that keeps us moving forward as a whole.
After all, it’s great that we have new businesses coming in and are experiencing increases in jobs and housing.
I just think it’s a bit hollow if you don’t have social and community ties as well.
Nothing’s truer than this past year following some COVID recovery.
The pandemic impacted everyone as an individual or a group and we’re still feeling the aftershocks this holiday season.
Especially with flu infections expected to spike this year.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, current flu-like illnesses are being reported mostly in children and young adults.
And those illnesses reported don’t include COVID-19 and its variant numbers either.
Here at home, we’ve maxed out our COVID booster shots and Mike is the only one that had his flu vaccine – at the moment.
Mom and I are working on lining ours out in the coming weeks or so, just to cover all the bases.
After all, there are more events this month than I was expecting to happen and every social interaction is a chance to catch something.
I’m still temporarily disabled due to my broken leg, but have asthma and have suffered the flu a handful of times over my lifetime – it isn’t fun and definitely worth it to get a quick jab.
Even if I hate needles with a passion and sometimes get panicky and anxious waiting for a shot, the end result is worth it.
Plus, mom worries that if she and Mike are vaccinated then they could potentially bring the virus home to me if I’m not protected.
Besides, the only thing that could make this impaired holiday experience worse is getting infected with the flu and that’s not something I’m keen on!
Regardless, we’re drawing to the close of another year and chapter in our lives.
I’m just hoping and praying that I can start next year off on both feet and without needing too much assistance.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for the wheelchair, crutches, knee scooter, and all of the help from my family and friends – I just know they also need to have their own break for the holidays as well.
And I certainly know that mom and Mike are eager to have me take back some of my job responsibilities, too!
