Reporter's Reflections Archive

I think those who live in rural areas with challenges such as ours often wonder, “Should I stay or should I go?” Lord knows, there have been times when I’ve given it some thought.

While some think of moving to Virginia or Clarksburg or Parkersburg, I often consider running back to Marietta--where shopping malls and concerts and movies and groceries and museums are just a few traffic lights away. You know, the city-- where jobs are plentiful and roads are straight and paved, and Chinese food and pizza will arrive at your door.

 The grass is always greener they say.

 But, in Marietta, Allegheny Power has proposed a 70% increase in rates, and Waste Management has proposed a 100% increase. Sure, gas is cheaper, but property taxes are much higher. There are more “rules,” rent is higher, and people there are surviving from paycheck to paycheck too.

 One of the major things I miss about the city is “strangers.” That seems odd, but when you grow up in life where people don’t really notice other people or pay attention to other people lives, it’s hard to adjust to a community where so many people know so much about you--or think they do.

 Sure, I can sit in Marietta’s Muskingum Park at night among the lights glistening on the river’s waters and know I am home. I can walk along the sidewalks and no one will give me a second glance, say things like, “It’s people like you that,” or accuse me of partaking in some fictional family plot to take over the world. (Insert the sound of Dracula laughing here.) But neither going home or going to the city can take us back to the economic glory days of our country’s past. And who wants to walk streets where no one says hello?

 People keep saying hard times are coming, but if you look at the increases in mental hygiene cases, domestic violence cases, DUI cases, price of milk, meat, or gasoline, you could say that hard times have already arrived--we just refuse to accept it.

 I’ve heard say, “If your neighbor loses his job, it’s a recession; if you lose your job, it’s a depression.” What do you call it when so many didn’t have jobs to begin with?

 Now, and in times to come, I feel we must be ready to clutch tightly to the things that money cannot buy: love, faith, charity, laughter, family, and most of all--hope. Relationships at home, work, within neighborhoods and with higher power(s) will be challenged. We may find it harder to concentrate, or tolerate. We might face lessons of sacrifice, discipline, self-sustenance. Some are having to make sacrifices already.

 I may be playing the role of Chicken Little again, telling you that the sky is falling. Maybe so. Someone told me this week that all I do is frighten people. It seems I can’t say anything lately without setting someone off. And frankly, I’ve wanted to bite off some heads myself.

 But there are short-tempers out there, and I’ve seen that “caught in the headlights” look in some eyes. People may choose not to see those around them who are struggling, but there’s a nervous tension out there, and it worries me. We’ve all heard the line about boiling a frog. Throw him in hot water, and he’ll jump out. But put him in tepid water and heat him slowly, and he’ll cook quietly every time.

 Playing the role of Chicken Little or not, I want people to know--you are not alone, and even if you see no relief in sight, there are people here in Calhoun who can and will help, if you only ask.

 Maybe, in a few days or weeks, the sky will look more stable to me. If your sky is still falling, you can find food (no questions asked) at the Food Pantry at First Baptist Church, and clothes, jackets and blankets for $1 a bag at Minnora Methodist Mission. If you are needing strength, any pastor or minister of any church will provide you with words of comfort and hope. If you are being abused or witness abuse, you can call 354-9254, and you will have help and support. If you feel your reeling mind is leading you to be a danger to yourself or others, call 1-800-786-6480 right now.