For those who have moved at any point in their lives, that is a question that hits pretty close to home.
As my family and I continue to unpack what seems like 1.3 million boxes, we have uttered that question far more times than we can recount.
But, regardless of the normal perils that come with moving, our move to Vicksburg in particular has been relatively easy and exciting, not so much in process, but in the anticipation and opportunity.
Moving to Vicksburg has been a labor of love for my family and me. The initial job offer, the weekend visits, the house hunt, the registering for schools and childcare and the hunt for that perfect lunch after church were all key components to this life-changing time.
In each case, we have been greeted and welcomed as only a gentile, historic Southern community can.
My wife, Stephanie, me, and our children, Sarah Cameron 9, Clayton 2 and Fin 1, are all products of the South and appreciate the little things, like a perfect glass of sweet tea, the wave you get from a passing motorist or the welcoming handshake from a deacon at a church you’re visiting.
While Stephanie and the children arrive permanently later this week, and begin school and childcare next week, Vicksburg is already home, and we cannot thank the many people who have helped enough.
As for me, now publisher of The Vicksburg Post, my love affair with newspapers began at a young age when I learned Silly Putty would remove comics from the pages of the newspaper. When you’re 4-years-old, that’s a pretty cool trick that just somehow sticks.
For the majority of my career, I have had the pleasure of working in communities that have been served by strong, community newspapers, such as The Post. It makes this job so much easier, when the community has a deep love and appreciation for the newspaper.
Since moving here, I have had people pull me aside and tell me how much they love the newspaper, while offering constructive criticism. For someone in my position, nothing could be better. I hope that more of you will reach out with your ideas, your concerns and your love for Vicksburg and The Post. I would appreciate hearing from all.
That feedback, that constructive criticism, fuels our mission of providing the best possible newspaper for those who live, work and play in Vicksburg and Warren County — and beyond.
Will we always a produce a newspaper everyone likes? No. And, we never will. But, my mission — our mission — is to produce a newspaper every single day that everyone can respect, learn something from and a newspaper that serves Vicksburg and Warren County.
The decision to come to Vicksburg was easy, not just because of the opportunities for my family, but the people who we have met. For that, I will be forever grateful.
And, as for the Silly Putty trick, I can’t wait to teach my children how that works if only I could find where we packed the Silly Putty.
•
Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post and can be reached by email at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com or by phone at 601-636-4545 ext. 122.