By By Adam Prestridge
Believe it or not, dedication doesn't always go unnoticed.
Being new to Atmore, I'm still getting used to everyone that works and lives in this friendly city. Knowing the people of the community well is a goal of mine, in hopes of building healthy business and personal relationships.
By the time this column hits the news stands, most everyone throughout the city has heard the news of Atmore Mayor Howard Shell's mother Edna Shell passing away.
Following the news that Mrs. Shell, 92, of Walnut Hill had died, it was thought that Mayor Shell would be out of commission for a couple of days to mourn the loss and spend time with other family members. That was not so.
I was taken back when I heard that Shell was at work Thursday, the day of his mother's passing. In fact, he answered The Advance's phone call for comments on several stories in the making. He made no mention of his loss, but instead, answered all our questions.
At first, I found it odd that Mayor Shell was working on such a sad day, but then I remembered what he told The Advance after being named Citizen of the Year by the Atmore Chamber of Commerce in January. He stated that he wouldn't be who he is today without his mother.
How very true that statement is?
I agree that everyone is who they are today because of their upbringing.
If Mrs. Shell instilled a strong work ethic, which includes great leadership traits, one could be confident that she was smiling down on her son Thursday.
Talk about dedication.
It was even more surprising to see Mayor Shell at the board cutting during the grand opening of the new Marvin's store on Friday morning, the day of his mother's visitation.
It's sometimes hard to read people and know their exact intentions when you first meet them. When I first met Mayor Shell, I can honestly say I was impressed. I saw a man that cared for his family, which happens to include a city of 7,700 citizens. He showed his caring for both his immediate family and extended family Thursday and Friday by being there for both during dire times.
Fortunately for Mayor Shell and his family, his mother was there to give her son a big hug after learning of yet another accomplishment during the chamber banquet. It marked another great accomplishment she helped mold.
It's nice to know that we live in a town where a public figure such as our mayor is dedicated so much that he's working for us no matter what obstacles have to be overcome.
Rest in peace Mrs. Edna Shell.
Adam Prestridge is publisher of The Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123 or via e-mail at adam.prestridge@atmore advance.com