A Thanksgiving reflection: I am blessed

still employed,”...that we lean too far right, we promote too much religion, that nobody reads the Times anymore, and, my favorite, we are #fakenews. Fortunately for us, we have so many more supporters than we have detractors. By the way, it amazes me every time I see someone post that they “do not read the Times anymore,” it’s usually a post about something we’ve covered and put in the paper. Makes me wonder how they know what we are writing if they aren’t reading us. Before, these types of things would upset me and make me second guess myself, but this last year has taught me that exposure is a good thing, whether the minority agrees with it or not. This community is an extremely conservative, God-focused community who wants answers and wants to keep our public officials accountable. As long as our readership is going up, and people are giving us all the attention we’ve been getting, then I’m doing my job, a job which I immensely enjoy. As for the #fakenews, my best friend had a shirt made for me with that hashtag plastered across it in huge letters, and I wear it proudly. This past year has definitely made me more sassy, if that was even possible. We will continue reporting the news, we will continue offering our opinion about the news because we also have opinions, and we will continue to be an extremely relevant part of this community, whether the detractors like it or not.

And on the job theme, what would I do without my Calhoun Times family? I don’t think people really get it when one of us says “we are a family,” just how much of a family we are. We love each other deeply, and there are times we don’t agree with each other and we fight and bicker and might not speak to each other for a day or two, but let someone outside of this “family” hurt another one of us in any way and the claws come out. We definitely have each other’s back, just like we treat our biological brothers, sisters, moms, dads, etc. There’s our advertising executives, Billy and Dianne, who have been here for 25 years or more each. They are the foundation of our family here and have the most knowledge and experience in the newspaper business. Their guidance and friendship are invaluable. Then there’s Danika, the absolute glue that holds this office together. Not only would our office cease to exist without her, but my life would cease to exist... she’s like my sister and I rely on her for way too much, but she never complains. There’s Tyler, our writer extraordinaire who helps on both sides of editorial and is invaluable coming up with clever headlines...headlines we could never get away with using but headlines that make us laugh because they are so saucy and clever. And of course, the yin to my yang, Sasha, a.k.a. Sports Editor Alex, who is, as I’ve always maintained, the absolute best sports editor in the state. He’s the extremely nice one that plays off well with my extremely blunt and not very patient personality, and I have the utmost respect for him. The six of us are close friends inside and outside the office; these people support me, keep me laughing and in good spirits, keep me in check and they love me, almost as much as I love them. I don’t know what I’d do without them and I am thankful for them, for the job they do and for their impact on my life.

I’m also thankful for the contributors to our paper; from our photographers to our columnists. Frank Crowe, Larry Greeson, Adam Dortch and Tim Godbee are all invaluable when taking photos for us for everything from ribbon cuttings to sporting events; and Dick Yarbrough, Ken Herron, Uncle Billy, Randy Muse, Jon Mitchell, Donnie Hudgens, Dewayne Bowen, Joey English, Greg Bowman, Allie Griner and, the man who proclaims to be my biggest fan and supporter, Coach Jerry Smith, are all very much appreciated for their insight into topics on everything from religion to politics to agriculture to World War II.

I am extremely grateful, not just at Thanksgiving, but every day, for our readers. I love going on Facebook after posting a story and seeing what you guys have to say. I also love when our “regulars” come into the office to hang out and check in on us, especially getting visits from Wilson, a.k.a. TROUBLE. We realize we will always have detractors and people who claim they have no use for us, but we realize that, 1) that’s not very factual, and 2) we have way more supporters than detractors. Most people are appreciative of the job we do, (and with such a small staff and the very little we have to work with, we do a great job) and for that, I am grateful.

I’m thankful for my three wonderful blessings that I can’t live without: Draik, Regan and Riley. They fill me with so much pride and joy. Since their dad died almost five years ago, they have grown and matured in ways I could have never thought possible with just me leading the family. They are strong, resilient, compassionate and smart; they have big plans and big dreams and I love being on this ride called life with them. I love them to the moon and back and am so thankful for my babies.

I am thankful for my parents, who weren’t the typical Southern parents. They never taught me “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” and for that I’m grateful, because the news isn’t always nice. I usually tell people I was born without that dumaflache in my mouth that prevents it from opening at every little thought I have, but actually, I learned that art from my dad. My parents taught me that it’s okay to ask questions and to voice my opinion. They support me and enjoy my columns and coverage of local government affairs. They made me who I am and for that, I’m extremely grateful.

Even though she’s out in the middle of the Atlantic on a cruise ship this week, I’m extremely thankful for my bestie. Not just my bestie, but her whole family, who are an extension of my family. Becks and I are Calhoun’s version of Thelma and Louise; we laugh way more than any two people should and, if I’m honest about it, act like a couple of goofy teenagers most of the time. There have been too many good times shared between us and our family and I only expect more in the coming year. I’m so thankful for her support, her brutal honesty and the fact that she’s in my life.

I’m thankful I live in a free country and that I was able to hear the Gospel when I was young and decided that a life with Christ was better than a life without Christ. I am extremely thankful for Jesus and His ability to love and forgive me despite of who I am or what I do. No matter how undeserving of His love I am or how many times I let Him down, He never lets me down.

Finally, last but certainly not least, I’m thankful for my boo. Two years ago, two friends decided to become more than just friends and it’s been an adventure every day since. He’s an extremely patient and calming presence in my life, is possibly the funniest person I know and keeps me laughing every single second we are together. He accepts me as the crazy and opinionated person that I am and doesn’t judge me for it...too much. He’s my go-to person and I wouldn’t trade him for anything. I’m most thankful for the blessing that is him in my life.

It’s wordy, but there can never be too many words to describe who and what I’m thankful for this year. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and took time to count their blessings, because everyone has something to be thankful for. And I encourage everyone not to stop with Thanksgiving or the holidays, but to count your blessings every day of the year.

Brandi Moorehead-Owczarz is the managing editor of the Calhoun Times, covering the best community in America. You can email her at bowczarz@ calhountimes.com or find her on Facebook by searching Brandi Owczarz.