Thank You for Remembering

Each Thanksgiving, I like to share with friends, colleagues and loved ones something I am thankful for. This year, I am most thankful for the rich deposits that people have invested in my life, as well as in the lives of all of us here at Public Media North Carolina as we've traveled this great state covering stories of hope and heroism.

"The ultimate test of a man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for the future generations whose words of thanks may not be heard," says Gaylord Nelson, Founder of Earth Day.

While Nelson's sentiments may be true in many instances, the life and legacy of New Bern's iconic Mitchell Hardware owner, the late Greg Smith, have not been forgotten (click below). 

At Public Media North Carolina our own Heather Burgiss produced a story about Greg's legacy to show how his family has overcome adversity and tragedy to remain an inextricable pillar of strength for their community.

Greg's story reminds us that life is like a seed.

Every seed makes the ultimate sacrifice and gives the gift of life. After a seed has been planted and its ground produces a fruit bearing tree, the cycle of success continues. As the fruit is eaten or falls to the ground, its seeds are planted enabling it to produce a field of trees.

Greg's daughters have become fruit bearing trees for their community. And their fruit is producing seeds of love, love, hope and kindness that are continually being rooted in the hearts of people in the New Bern community.

I am thankful for your support of our collective efforts at Public Media North Carolina to produce, distribute and promote stories about people like Greg Smith and his daughters and places like Mitchell's Hardware. My unwavering hope is that because of your support, these stories will continue to contribute to the greater good by connecting North Carolinians to each other, the world and endless possibilities.

Thank you for remembering why we do what we do.