By Marie Hancock, Pendletonian Times
I am very pleased to be working with Pendletonian Times covering the awesome stories of the people who make up our town. I believe that many great and interesting tales are waiting to be told.
A little background on me … I grew up in a very small town in Central Florida where I went to school with my husband. I’ve been in Pendleton since 2006 after moving here from Arizona. I spent ten years working for the State of Oregon in social services in a slightly different capacity than the work I did in Phoenix. I understand that so many people have so much happening in their lives that so few outside can understand. Doing the work really grows a heart of empathy. In my free time I love to read, follow action movies and a few drama shows, figure out what my five cats have been up to, work in my gardens and make a few odds and ends in the crafty side. Studying religions, faiths of the world and cults is my passion. My family will always be my first priority and I absolutely adore my husband and the whole bunch of kids I have.
Back in 2017, my husband and I endured a horrible personal tragedy. I remember looking at passing cars, folks strolling on the sidewalks, going from here to there and realizing that no matter how everything may be crashing around me, theirs went on as normal to my eyes. My world stopped, and theirs continued to spin on. It didn’t illicit a negative response but rather a deep comprehension of the individual triumphs and tragedies that occur every day in all of our lives that none ever know.
These are the stories I’m interested in telling. I believe that every human being is significant, worthy and that each life should be celebrated. I believe that we are all connected to each other, in one way or another and by appreciating those connections … learning those stories … we have an opportunity to learn more about who we personally are. When we can understand the world around us and we can understand ourselves, we can work together to make so much better for so many. Because of that, I want to recognize you – the individuals who make up Pendleton. I want to help give you a voice so that your triumphs can celebrated and as is my hope, just maybe in your tragedies you and others don’t have to feel alone.
So, where does that leave us today? Well … I have a few ideas and as I’ve been given the go ahead by the publisher I’ll be working to bring those stories to you, soon. If you have a story you want to tell, let me know! My email address is mhancock@jamestibbets.com. I want to share your words, without a spin, with respect, with consideration for your privacy and real life and in the correct context.
I thank you for the warm welcome and look forward to speaking with the real Pendleton.