Community. If you were to ask me what community means I’d probably say something close to the actual definition “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.” But if you asked me on a deeper level, I’d say community is the circle, or circles, of which you find your strength, your courage and your conviction. If you’re lucky, your community can be your support system too.
Hello to those of you who might not recognize the name or the face above. I’m Shannon Hahn. I’ve been a part of your newspaper for the last 13 years. I was first a columnist, then office manager, then operations manager, and now I’m the general manager, a role I feel privileged to serve this community in.
I’ve been lucky enough to call Madison County my community for more than 15 years. And while it was challenging to feel rooted here for the first couple of years, I can say with certainty it’s home and I’m grateful our roots have taken hold.
I’ve made lifelong friends here, added family members and pseudo family members too. So while the fish bowl seems too small sometimes, it’s comforting to know I swim with all of you in it.
Our family has suffered a lot of loss the last couple of years.
I lost my brother Michael. Some of you may remember me sharing the story of his heart transplant every February for years as National Organ and Tissue Donor Day rolled around.
Then last July, my family lost our beloved Charlie, the greatest dog to ever live. (Yes it’s okay if you think your dog is the greatest- we should all think that).
In November we lost my mother-in-law, Marilyn. I’m convinced she was an angel just living on earth to make it a better place.
And a few weeks ago we lost my sister-in-law, Tami. You may have seen her obituary in last week’s edition. And then two weeks ago my kids lost their little dog, Scout.
It’s been a heavy time for our family for a while, but during all of the heaviness we’ve been showered with love and support from our community- THIS community.
Thank you for that.
Madison County is a place, a community, unlike any other. It’s filled with people who keep their word, even when it’s hard or uncomfortable for them. You show up. You always show up. Your hearts for others is why it’s so easy to call this place home.
Your kindness, love and support has carried us through some of our darkest days and the appreciation that my family has for the friendships shared here is immeasurable.
I’ll never be able to pen enough words to express my gratitude, but I hope this column serves as a start.
Just keep swimming.
With love, Shannon.
