Thanks for help along the way

As I predicted back in January, 2008 is a very good year. Saturday night, my 2008 blessings continued when I was named the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year.

Six years ago when my husband passed away, and I moved back to Colusa County from North Dakota, I would have not imagined that I would have my own business, much less receive this honor.

When I accepted my award, I said that I believe God has a path for each of us, and that I also believe that he puts certain people in each of our paths to help us along the way.

I am living proof that is true.

I am surrounded by people who have helped me and guided me. I certainly missed a few names as I stood at the microphone and attempted to name the names of people who had been there and continue to be there to help me and my business to survive. It was only after I returned to my seat that it I of course remembered names I SHOULD HAVE NAMED.

One name in particular is Lloyd Green Jr. I can’t believe I missed him. Lloyd is not only my daily support team and sounding board, but also my partner in our off-shoot joint venture business of Green & Craigo Publishing. There are a lot of things that I just couldn’t have accomplished without his partnership and his support.

I guess sometimes we get caught up in an emotional moment and forget what we really feel in our heart.

I should have also thanked Jim Resney and Ben Felt. Each of these men has shown me great respect and support in what I am trying to accomplish. We all need people like that in our corner.

On Sunday, I called each of my kids to let them know their old Ma won the prize. One by one, they each shared my excitement.

Not to long ago my son graduated from college. One day I told him that I was proud of him, and his reply was; “I’m proud of you too Mom.” – If a parent can hear those words, even from a 28-year-old child, it just doesn’t get better than that.

It makes you feel like, along the way you may have done something right.

Yes, things are good in 2008. I am thankful for the blessing of my family, my friends and my business community. I am thankful to live in a community with such a strong support of fellow Chamber members and business people.

Those of us who live in and do business in small rural communities can be thankful for the atmosphere of kindred spirits that we are allowed to operate in.

I am thankful that I chose to come home to Colusa County to rebuild and live the second part of my life.

Sometime, our paths lead us home. That is something we can be thankful for as well.

Just a thought…..

Kathy Craigo can be contacted at kcraigo66@hotmail.com.