What are your first thoughts in describing the pandemic? There has been a plethora of descriptions, definitions and opinions on the subject. I don’t want to belabor the topic because, frankly, that’s all we’ve heard about for quite some time.
I do think about all the things I’ve missed. Similar to so many others I missed junior high, high school and college graduations. I missed a grandson’s Eagle Scout ceremony and holding a new baby granddaughter. I missed the spring sporting events and the opening of baseball season. I miss handshakes and hugs. I miss going to the store to get toilet paper without even thinking about it.
One thing I really missed was the opportunity to attend the Change of Honor Ceremony scheduled in early April for Adjutant General Lee Tafanelli. General Tafanelli ended a 40-year military career, giving his service to this country. Lee has accepted the role of CEO of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. We are very fortunate as members and consumers of electric cooperatives to have the leadership and vision that Lee Tafanelli brings to our organization.
As we continue to grow with our experiences, we can look forward to new opportunities. I like moving ahead and setting new goals and achievements. I like new ideas and cultivating new concepts. For me, it serves a mandatory purpose in retaining some form of sanity in the ups and downs. Looking ahead and remaining positive keeps me going.
Hank Snow was a pioneer in the music industry, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. One of his most popular songs dealt with setbacks. The song was titled “I’m Moving On.” No matter what our occupation, profession or life journey, we need to keep “movin on.”
Literally as we move forward in a society that measures time in nanoseconds, the need is now more than ever to take more time for friends, associates and co-workers. Enjoy the moment, be thankful for what we have, remember to stop and smell the roses, and keep moving on!
Terry Hobbs is the board president for Kansas Electric Coopertives, Inc. He is also a member of Western Cooperative Electric’s Board of Trustees in Wakeeney.