Every time a year ends, it’s hard not to think living it out was at least somewhat of a wild ride.
But how ’bout that 2015? Is it just me, or was that one way out of the ordinary?
Of course, I’m mainly speaking from my own experience, which in large part goes hand-in-hand with that of other folks who live in the area where I live. That being said, was that year that just went by out of bounds, or what?
I’m not going to rehash a lot of negative details, but let’s face it: When was the last time death and destruction became so commonplace in this south-central Missouri stand-in for Mayberry?
Right about never, I’d say.
I’ll never forget when a murder-for-hire case grabbed local headlines last January and I said (and I have witnesses), “wow, we already have our top law enforcement story for the year. What could possibly top that?”
Unfortunately, something topped that time and time again here in Texas County, what with mass murders, plane crashes and all-too-frequent incidents of 70-mile-per-hour bumper cars (mainly on U.S. 63, but elsewhere, too).
As for the weather, it was great for much of the way in these parts, like that wonderfully mild summer we had and that classic, temperate fall. But I think I lost count of all the “100-year floods” that happened along the way, obviously capped off at the beginning of this week with what many lifelong residents of the area said caused as much or more ground to be covered by water than they could recall.
Sheesh, if I never see another dry hollow converted into a raging waterway with category five current, that will be fine with me.
Whew, so here comes 2016, I guess. No time to rest, it insists on arriving and usurping all the attention 2015 was getting.
I know better than to make wild predictions, but something tells me this might not be a cakewalk, either. While we’ll just have to wait and see what all goes down, I think it’s safe to say we’re absolutely guaranteed another unusual year.
Why? Look no further than politics, as another General Election looms on the American horizon, and this time we have virtual circus acts leading the charge on all sides of the spectrum.
Of course, you never know what else might take place, but there are plenty of players ready (and in many cases extremely willing) to take center stage. To provide the fun and games on a big-picture scale, you’ve got your ISIS, your Chinese navy, your (alleged) climate change and much, much more.
And on a local scale? After what we just went through, who knows?
But I wouldn’t rule much out. Not in these wild and crazy times (a.k.a. perilous times – see your local Bible).
Good thing it’s just part of God’s plan. I’d hate to think there was only a human to rely on in a situation like this.
Doug Davison is a reporter, photographer and newsroom assistant for the Houston Herald. Email ddavison@houstonherald.com.