Looking back at my posts today, I realize I didn’t give many details about exactly what happened. Our local Chamber of Commerce gives a monthly “Good Citizen” award. I was sitting in the newsroom, minding my own business about 9 this morning when several prominent local citizens walked in — not unusual for a newsroom. When I saw Janie Burke holding a plaque, my first thought was that they were making some sort of presentation to our new editor, René Capley.
But, no, I was the target.
Then my parents walked in, as well as one of my father’s closest friends, the Rev. Dr. Beryl West from Murfreesboro. At the time, I thought maybe Dr. West was in town for one of his regular lunches with my father and had just gotten dragged along to my presentation. It was only later I found out he’d driven down just to see me get my plaque. I need to thank him.
I was, I have to say, completely shocked, surprised and delighted.
Anyway, I promise this is my last post on the topic.