ARE YOU IN THE DARK?

As I sit here tonight rocking and writing to the music on the radio, it takes me back to my teenage years. As a young girl, I thought country music was terrible. Now listening to Jim Ed Brown, Charlie Pride, Dollie Parton, and others, what a great era the 60's and 70's were.

This past week has been a hardship for many residence that live in and around Springfield. While a lot of us have been without power, we were somewhat handicapped and disgruntled because everything wasn't as it should be.

On the other hand, doing without television, water, heat and internet has made me remember and appreciate what we take for granted every day. Actually sitting in the dark with my wind-up flashlight reading a good book is something I haven't done in years. And we could hear --------nothing!!! Silence!!!

We need to give thanks to Springfield Public Utilities, Webster Electric, Empire Electric, White River Electric, Ozark Electric (I know I've missed a lot more) for working around the clock to bring our lives back to normal. To all the electricians, plumbers, firemen, police, the National Guard, tree trimmers, gas utilities, neighbors and all of the rest of you that have given hours of your time. We live in a great city full of wonderful people.

So the next time you see all these public officials, thank them for all their hard work. I will.



Kay Van Kampen