What writing about history has taught me

Several months ago, I embarked on a historical journey when I began working on Campbell County: A look back at the beginning.

It was a journey that took me through four municipalities and more than 200 years of struggles and determination. It was a journey into the heritage and roots of Campbell County, a deep place where some never travel; it was a journey into the past.

But not only was it a journey into the past, but the present as well.

In collecting and writing the history of Campbell County, I learned more about the place where I grew up. My journey also helped me learn about the people from here. I learned that my heritage and my roots are strong; that my county is a proud one, with good reason to be so.

I learned that even someone from a small country town could make a difference and leave a mark on this seemingly very large world.  I learned that we have many people in our area who do care about heritage and the past, but more than that, they care a great deal about the future of this county. They also care about all of  those who call Campbell County home.  I learned that we are all connected, if only in the fact that we all live here calling this beautiful place home.

I learned that memories should be cherished as though they are more precious than jewels.

I learned that while time can damage and change many things including towns and counties, a memory can retain its youth and newness for as long as it is stored. A memory can bring back the good old days in a flash. In that one instant, all the dust is brushed off with a brief warp to the past established. That is the power of a memory.

 I learned that if you asked someone about the good old days, it could be anything from one year ago to 200 years ago. I learned that the future starts now but that tomorrow will soon become the good old days to many.

Now I appreciate and honor the past, but most of all I learned to love and appreciate the good old days that I am living in right now.

To all those who helped me on my journey, I would like to thank you for taking the time to share all the precious memories with me.  I laughed and I cried, but most of all, I fell a little bit more in love with the place that I call home, and that is a memory that I shall hold dear for as long as I live.