Publisher's Point: In the face of loss, let’s make kindness our resolution

Jonathan Vickery / Publisher

The New Year started in tragedy in Barnwell County.

First, an 11-year-old lost her life on New Year’s Day in a wreck. Then, a mother and three kids lost their home in a house fire.

As a journalist, these are tough stories to report on. It’s even tougher in a small, close-knit community like ours. Sometimes we know the individuals involved. Sometimes we don’t. But, either way, it means that our neighbors are hurting.

I urge every member of our community to keep these two families in your prayers. If you’re able to help or comfort them, please do so.

Though these two stories have gotten a lot of publicity, we know these aren’t the only families who are grieving, hurting, or otherwise struggling in some way. It could be the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, tough financial times, a broken relationship, having to make a difficult decision, or any number of other trials and tribulations.

We never know what someone is truly going through, even if they have the biggest smile on their face and say they’re doing okay.

That’s why my best advice for the New Year is simple: always be kind. Kindness and compassion matter.

Normally, I’d make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, eat healthier, get more exercise, or some other health-related goal.

It’s certainly good to make a resolution to better ourselves, but let’s be realistic. Most of us won’t keep our resolutions. I certainly never do, despite the best of intentions.

That’s not to say we shouldn’t set goals or resolutions aimed at making ourselves better.

Life is short. That’s why my resolution is to be kind. I want to make each day count, so I can help make the world a better place.

It all starts right here at home with a little bit of kindness and compassion:

• If you see or hear of someone in need, please lend a helping hand, whether it’s to a stranger or a friend. Kindness doesn’t have to cost a penny. Sometimes it’s as simple as holding the door open for someone, offering to do a chore for an elderly neighbor, or just simply being a listening ear.
• If you can use your time, talents and money to help an organization that is working to make a difference in our community, please do so. From the soup kitchen and animal shelter to Scouts and afterschool programs, there are countless ways to get involved. Just find one that fits your skills and passions.

On the other hand, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. It’s okay to not be okay – meaning it’s okay to share your burdens and concerns with others. After all, a community is supposed to look out for one another.

That’s one thing I’ve always admired about Barnwell County, a place I’m proud to call home. We are a small town with a big heart.

As we start our journey through 2026, we all have 365 precious opportunities to make a difference.

What kind of positive impact will you make?

A year that began with heartbreak can still become a year defined by compassion.