Sometimes, it is hard to remember the things you get right. Those things you have done wrong and the mistakes you have made usually stick in your mind and refuse to leave. You focus on them, you dwell on them.

When it comes to a community, far too often residents become fixated on the negatives and begin to be blinded by all the positive things that are happening.

Past experiences with a restaurant or business, lead you to have an opinion of them, their services or products that is oftentimes hard to shake. And, there are times when you feel compelled to share those thoughts and opinion before new people have a chance to learn for themselves.

When we moved to Vicksburg five years ago, all the positive things we saw and experienced blew us away. From the welcoming faces and handshakes at First Baptist Vicksburg to the lunch we had after church at Walnut Hills. Needless to say, we were hooked.

I remember driving around town, commenting on how well the city kept up the flowerbeds and the medians, how downtown Vicksburg was an active, thriving area and how could anyone not be in awe of the sunsets over the Mississippi River.

This week, I was in awe all over again.

As I was parked, waiting on the red light at Pemberton Boulevard and Halls Ferry Road, a makeshift sign, made of cardboard caught my eye.

On it, written in marker was, “Thank-U V-Burg for getting me home. Your kind & really awesome people!!!”

As a city that sits squarely on an interstate, we see our fair share of transient visitors, like those traveling the interstate by foot or hitched ride.

There are times when those visitors take a seat at this particular intersection, looking for a ride or a handout.

Locally, the United Way of West Central Mississippi has a campaign to produce care packages for those transients who make their way through our community. Groups have helped put hundreds of these packages together that have gone to those who need a little something.

While I do not know who wrote this sign, or their story, I wish I did. I would love to ask them who helped them get home.

On the flip side, it is nice to know someone from our city helped this individual in a way that touched their hearts so much that posting a sign was a must. And, whoever offered a helping hand did so without ever thinking of the recognition they would receive.

Vicksburg and Warren County is truly a loving community. My family and I have felt that love and compassion many times over since we moved here and it is my sincerest hope we have reciprocated that love in some small way.

To the individual who left that sign, thanks for coming to Vicksburg and leaving it better than the way you found it. That sign has made me feel good about the city I call home, and believe it has made others feel the very same way.

 

Tim Reeves is editor of The Vicksburg Post. He can be reached at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com.