It’s one of those weeks at the Standard. As you probably read in James’ column, he had sinus surgery yesterday. You know what that means – he’s down for the count as he recovers. When our fearless leader is gone, things feel discombobulated in editorial. That’s just how it is. 

I’m sure you can empathize. You know how it is when your co-worker or work buddy is away for vacation or out for sickness. Sometimes it shifts the work environment entirely not to mention work flow. Suddenly, a manageable schedule of events becomes crammed full, leaving you to feel spread paper thin and stressed. That’s the worst. 

I wish I was one of those people that produced amazing content under pressure, but I’m not. That’s why I’ve always been one to complete things super early. Unfortunately, that’s not the way news works. Just when I have some semblance of a schedule, I receive a last minute tip, event invite or hear a wreck or fire transmitted over the scanner. 

I say all this to brag on James. He pulls so much weight and in his absence, we’re all reminded of that. Some of you may label me a brown noser, but I’m a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due. So often we think complimentary things, but choose not to express those kind words for whatever reason. As a firm believer in words of affirmation, that’s what I’m doing. Thanking my editor, James P. Clark.

So, James, as you recover, there’s a few specific things I’d like to share. 

Thank you for celebrating birthdays. As adults, it’s easy to skip and totally ignore them, but you make them special for everyone with food and goofy signs. My personal favorite from this year – “Smile today, next year you’ll be 30!”

Thank you for leading by example. Unlike some bosses, you share the workload. Your willingness to share a camera and run out to cover a wreck like the rest of us doesn’t go unnoticed. Instead of greedily snatching all the good story ideas, you divvy them out so we all get to write about topics that interest us.

Thank you for sharing your funny side. Although I personally may have trouble differentiating between your particular brand of humor and sarcasm, you bring a lot of laughter to the Standard. From jokes to your witty responses, you keep us chuckling … and wondering.

Finally, thank you for contributing so much time and energy to produce countless news stories to inform our community. You set the standard for technical expertise and your work demonstrates the excellence that we all strive for as reporters.

So, if you see our fearless leader out and about, give him some encouragement because his job isn’t an easy one. He invests countless hours writing, editing and fact checking. In fact, he perseveres through all the complaints and negative feedback because he knows the importance and impact of sound journalism.

We appreciate you and all you do! Now hurry up and get well!

Standard reporter Lacy Garrison can be reached at 473-2191.