Growing up as a child, becoming an adult, marrying and raising my children in Tyler County, my parents at a early age taught me to respect others, support our businesses, participate in local events, love and help our neighbors.

One of the highlights of our summer was going to the Tyler County Fair. We knew that there would be great food, wonderful exhibits, and most of all — lots of fun and laughter. My parents would explain to us how hard people worked and volunteered their time for us to enjoy it. I paid very close attention on how people would take pride and believed in what they were doing.

4-H Camp was mainly my vacation, where we met our old friends and gained new ones. A week’s worth of making great memories with some amazing people. The bond we had together, we knew would never be broken. The songs we sang, the games we played, the huge bonfires, praising and yelling our tribe’s name to where our voices would echo through the hills. Even to this day it brings a big smile to my face. I could go on and on about the good old days and great childhood memories.

But the point of my letter is: What happened to all of us? Did we give up? Did we become selfish and self-centered? Are we so upset with an individual or a group that we take it out on everyone? Why are we treating people like they are outsiders or not welcome here? When they have lived here for years! I can’t answer any of these questions for you, but I can tell you who it is affecting. The children of Tyler County! I believe in my heart that our children deserve a lot better.

Our children need us in so many ways by healing their hurts, being a friend, having compassion toward each other, being understanding, and most of all Love Them! It is time to have a forgiving heart and start making memories for our children of today!

Sincerely,

Audist Pancake

Sistersville