For many, this coming week will be full of good tidings and cheerful moments with family and friends.
People will be traveling and putting mile on family vehicles as they travel throughout west Texas and beyond.
I know we can be in a hurry trying to get from one place or another, but please travel safely and stay safe overall.
Not only through our publication, but through other forms of news and media, the number of wrecks, losses of life and horrible events families and friends have had to endure lately feel like they have come frequently.
This issue a lone has a few reports of wreck reports and those lives cannot be brought back, and the survivors’ lives will be forever changed.
I was able to chat with my good friend Drew Dunn of KLVT Radio and he shared the same thoughts I had about how many reports of wrecks, fires, etc. we have had through the past month and a half.
The irony with the number of wrecks we have had is the conditions haven’t taken a turn for the worst yet this winter.
Aside from dense fog in the early mornings, icy road conditions and other road hazard conditions have not been common this season.
From my understanding the weather temperatures will continue to drop into next week, but always travel with caution, especially with the busy roads this holiday season.
I hope everyone has a great holiday break and for those who have to clock in during the holiday, I hope that shift isn’t too stressful.
I’ve been in that situation where holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are still considered another work day and at times that can’t be avoided.
For the families and friends that have lost loved ones during the holiday season, that feeling is something that can’t be healed in an instant or at all.
I hope you all can find a semblance of peace, happiness and love during this holiday season.
I think there are times where we can get lost in our own bubble and focus on what we have going on without considering what others are dealing with.
I know everyone is dealing or handling with something, but that doesn’t mean we have to brush those people and their feelings off.
Say a prayer for those you know are struggling or simply be there for that person and offer a little comfort that can be given.
It’s a holiday season that is focused on spreading cheer and happiness. Everyone deserves a smile, good company and few laughs.
At times when I have this discussion with various people about these things, they say I sound like their mom or a broken record.
I understand that, but being in the position I am in, I see the wreck reports, court reports and you can get a birds eye view of things.
It’s definitely changed the perception of how I see things these days. It’s great seeing all the fun and lighter things and thinking the community and world around myself are sunshine and rainbows.
However, there is still the opposite side of the spectrum where bad things happen and situations that can give a community a heavy heart.
We’ve seen it here in Levelland recently, Dalhart, O’Donnell, Lubbock and everywhere else we can think of where a community at times has to come together and stay strong.
Now is a time for a community to come together for a much lighter and happier time. It’s also time where we can bring those who don’t have to ability of having those feelings and helping them some of that weight off of their shoulders.
For those who have the ability to take some time off for the holiday break, enjoy it and take some time to breathe and recuperate.
I know I am looking forward to being a bump on the log and getting to watch Sonic and Ninja Turtles for the 100th time with my son.
I would show him some classic Christmas movies and cartoons, but little one’s have their staples and trying to introduce something new or different is like pulling teeth. I think parents can agree with me on that.
Something I have noticed is a lot of people look burned out. I don’t mean that in a negative way, but even doing something you love, you can find yourself a little burned out and a break is nice at times.
Holidays are a good way to get that. With hard deadlines in this business, I go crazy trying to find out how each holiday cuts into the work week and I have to find ways for making up for that lost time.
However, I also know that if it wasn’t for the holidays I probably wouldn’t ever take a long enough brake without thinking about work.
I consider times like these as a small reset and chance to catch my breathe. I hope everyone can get that feeling even if it is a small break.