Gary Moore is an interesting guy. An accomplished businessman, he has pivoted to become a respected author and motivational speaker. His books, The Final Service and Playing with the Enemy are among our personal favorites (and of our former neighbors, who loved our referrals). And, he has recently begun writing a weekly column for his hometown newspaper.
It is a hometown that has seen more than its fair share of hard knocks. But, it's clawing its way back. I know that, after a recent visit, I'm thoroughly impressed with the sparks of vision and development I saw in several parts of the county. While I saw pain during my visit...I saw more positive than negative. And, for our hometown that's a good thing.
Yeah...Gary and I went to High School together. He stayed. I split.
I left because, in my chosen field, I could go no further there. And, as much as I have loved my 28 years in Madison, I'd be lying if I didn't admit to feeling those pangs of longing for those days in my hometown as I drove through the old 'hoods last month.
But, here's the thing. Gary stayed. And, through his weekly column, he is helping our shared hometown shake off the negativity that is so prevalent when "lifers" bitch about how the old days were so much better. But, ask anyone that has recently transplanted to the county? They love it.
I'd link to one of Gary's columns designed to encourage locals to get over the past and embrace the future...but, you don't live there, so it wouldn't resonate.
Instead, I encourage you to read one of his most recent columns...that of becoming more aware of the beauty that surrounds us.
Gary and I so need to reconnect after all these years. I have been a lazy friend...and an invisible fan. But, on my next visit to my hometown, I look forward to that bearhug between old friends.
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