COLUMN: Bits of wisdom from back roads

There’s news in the making, every day and everywhere. Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the awesome privilege of getting to work with city officials and residents of LaRue County.
I have been able to see and experience a lot by being behind the scenes as decisions are being made. I’ve shared laughter and even some tears with moms of graduates; I’ve stood in the rain and watched as work has been done on city roads and witnessed firsthand, neighbors helping neighbors.
I’ve listened to folks share stories about flood waters and retold the stories of how many watched the funnel clouds pass over the county wondering whether that cloud would come down out of the sky and change their lives forever.
I’ve seen the devastation of the winds, listened as ole timers shared stories of the buildings and the history behind them.
What a week it’s been.
 Recently, I have had the privilege of traveling the back roads of LaRue County visiting farmers talking about how the continuing rains are impacting their operations.
Weather isn’t new to those folks; even the lack of rain isn’t something new.
George Pickerell, he put all this in context.
“Nothing compares to the destruction in Alabama, we’re blessed, and even though we don’t know the outcome of the amount of rain we’re getting, we’ll be OK,” Pickerell said.
The news of Osama bin Laden’s death also graced my conversation as I traveled around the county. A person that I admire and whose opinion I totally respect said, “I only regret that the President who deserves to make this announcement is no longer in office ... Thank you “W” for setting the course that led to this day. Thank you American troops for staying the course and accomplishing another huge goal in the mission.”
And to that I say Amen!
So all in all, whether you live in the city, the county, you live in the United States. One Nation, Under God.
No storms, no destruction, no acts of terrorism can take that away.
So I challenge you, do your best to help your neighbor, hold on to your faith, and always remember, in LaRue County and across the United States, we are blessed, and that my friend is newsworthy.