It has been two years since I assumed my role as editor and publisher of The Yazoo Herald. And although there have been plenty of adjustments with the position, the spark for the business remains within me. And I am proud of the work my staff and I do here at your local newspaper.
Although we receive our share of criticism, we are also welcomed with more words of praise from our readers and community. Those small gestures make the entire job and calling worth it.
But there is another reason I dedicate so much of my time and energy to this profession. Aside from a way to make a living and a way to contribute to my community, somebody else is watching me.
It goes back to the first week I took over The Herald’s leadership two years ago.
The building was dark and still as I walked into The Herald that late Sunday afternoon. I had a few things to work on as I prepared for my first day as editor and publisher the next morning.
My husband Jason Patterson had stepped down from the role that he held for a decade. The previous Friday afternoon was his last day at The Herald as he embarked on a new journey with Yazoo Valley Electric.
I was confident in my ability to take on the role as the new publisher, but I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say I was a little nervous too. Jason and I had worked together, side by side, for about 15 years. It was going to be a weird adjustment to not have him right down the hall.
But my daughter Elsie made the transition a lot better that Sunday when she accompanied me to wrap up a few things at the office.
“You know I would help Daddy sometimes in his office,” she said, as I moved a few desks around. “I know what to do, and I can help you too.”
I grinned and thanked her for her offer to help me out from time to time. Believe me, Elsie has been known to take some pretty good sports photographs while she tagged along. And she even knows a few computer tricks.
“And you know what,” she asked, moving a wire basket on a desk. “I can be a publisher one day too because you’re a girl. I’m a girl. If you can do it, I can do it.”
That tiny statement made my heart melt. Surrounded by old papers, new forms and empty desks…my little girl reminded me that there is always someone watching you.
Over the years, I have brought Elsie with me to cover government meetings, sporting events, civic club programs and even a raging house fire. She has always stood by my side, watching who I talked to or how I handled situations that can be a little hairy at times. I admit, I have openly vented about my frustrations after someone questioned my work or even cursed me out a time or two. But I always left my vent session with the words that my Paw Paw taught me.
“Work hard, and work harder than the person trying to beat you. If they are bigger than you and knock you down, even if you are out for the count, don’t worry…you’ll eventually get up and give them at least one good lick.”
It never occurred to me that Elsie was really listening. She puts her heart and soul into everything she works on. From school work to sporting games to basic household chores, she works her little tail off. And a little competition never frightens her. It just makes her work harder. And when challenges come her way, she may be upset for a minute. But she always jumps back into action with a solution or another chance.
I am excited about the future here at The Herald. I intend to keep working as hard as I ever have, even more. I still get excited about uncovering injustices and finding solutions. My heart warms when readers give me positive feedback. I love taking candid photographs of a victory and times of enjoyment among my fellow Yazooans. And I can let the harsh words roll off my back. Through prayer, I go to sleep peacefully every night knowing that I did my job right and to the best of my ability.
And, now, I have more pressure on me to keep doing it better than ever. My daughter is watching me, and I can’t disappoint her.
I will continue to take The Herald into the future and work with the gifts God has given me.
I got to leave it in good shape for maybe Elsie one day. Or for whatever profession she pursues when she gets older.
I want her to remember that day in a dark, unorganized office. That day that her mother took on a heavy weight, determined to work hard and work harder against the challenges.
I want her to remember that you take each job, regardless of the challenges, with a strong ethic, a fighting spirit and the sheer grit to get the job done. Somebody is always watching.
And regardless of the arrows that might come your way, show them how it’s done.
