New beginnings

I’ve attended many graduations in the the last couple of weeks.

I’ve seen many proud parents and grandparents, lots of tears, and quite a few video slideshows of graduating classes.

I’ve walked away from these ceremonies with a sense of hope. It’s a refreshing change.

It seems recently the majority of events I’ve covered have not been the happiest of events.

The impending closure of TRRMC and the resulting ripple effects that could potentially affect the region have been the leading news stories.

Graduations are a time for celebration.

They are a time for reflection and families and friends coming together honoring their graduating senior.

It’s a new beginning.

A starting point.

The Class of 2018 is about to embark on a journey of endless opportunities.

It reminds me that the area is also in the midst of a new beginning.

Sometimes life takes unexpected turns. A scary medical diagnosis, the ending of a relationship, or the closing of a hospital.

All new beginnings start because one chapter has closed.

When this happens we have choices.

Roll over, live in fear and give up or open that door in front of you and take that leap of faith.

The passion that the community has shown in acquiring options for our future medical needs is inspiring.

I imagine there is a corporation out there that is quite surprised at this.

We didn’t adhere to the business model they had hoped for.

We didn’t roll over.

Like these young folks beginning a new phase in their lives, our community, our region is also entering into a new phase.

Their lives will be different. Their new world will look a little different.

Our lives will be a little different as well. Our new medical facilities will look a little different.

That’s ok.

It’s a new beginning and like those seniors we will face it with courage, hope, fellowship and faith.

Don’t start your day with the broken pieces of yesterday. Every day is a fresh start. Each day is a new beginning. Every morning we wake up is the first day our our new life.

Congratulations to all our area graduating classes and thank God for new beginnings.

See you out there.