"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." - Coretta Scott King

I am so happy to be back at The Glasgow Courier and have the ability to tell stories of amazing people doing great things for their community.

When I first moved to Glasgow, almost seven years ago with a two-week old, I will admit, I did not give this town or county a chance.

In these seven years however, I have learned that community means more than I ever thought. Community means getting together to help raise funds to improve the pool. Community means looking out for one another. Community means being there for each other during tragedy and happiness. Community means being able to make conversation with anyone that you encounter. Community means supporting the younger generations. Community means seeing a problem, providing a solution and making that solution a reality for the future.

I have seen the various communities of Valley County come together for their athletes making trips to State. I have seen many improvements to the county over the past seven years, which couldn’t have happened without the support of everyone. I have seen the community come together when someone falls on hard times. I have seen the community come together when the unexpected happens, and my family and I have been on the receiving end of that. When our son needed open-heart surgery at four and half months old, this community came together to help support us. When our son needed a second surgery, unexpectedly this past summer, even more people came out and helped by praying, donating, sending positive vibes, keeping an eye on our house, making sure that all we needed to focus on was him and nothing else.

Almost seven years later, my husband and I are now raising two kids in the Glasgow community. I’m sure most of you have probably talked to our daughter, MacKenzie, at some point during these past seven years as she will say hi to anyone and everyone she meets. We frequent local businesses, to the point where people have seen our children grow from newborn babies, to sassy toddlers, to kids. I have seen the younger generations grow, graduate, and make new paths for themselves. I have seen high school athletes excel at the next level. I have seen projects and organizations rise from the ground up.

We can not think of anywhere else to call home and to continue to raise our children. I am excited to continue to tell the stories of Valley County. Please say hi when I’m out and about and let me know if you know of anyone, whether it’s an organization or an individual, doing great things for their community. I would love to tell that story!