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The harshest of tragedies usually come unexpectedly. Call it the randomness of fate. Call it the worst of plain old lousy luck. But the whole of East Palestine was carrying a bull's eye on its back a year ago.
The recovery and healing will continue for weeks, months and years. As devastating as the derailment was -- which, of course, never should have happened -- community residents directly impacted have been remarkable in coming back and leading, in varying degrees, normal lives.
Also, good -- actually quite wonderful -- is that not a single death occurred due to the derailment. Nor any significant injuries. Down the road, who really knows what lingering after-effects will emerge? Right now it is not an absolute as to what exactly will manifest and to what degree. Reckless conjecture serves no purpose. Alarmists feed on speculation.
Despite how many feel, Northern Southern owed up to the derailment as it should have. It was, after all, caused by its own neglect and sloppy safety protocols. Since then, though, it has tried in different ways to make it up to the community. Not just by an ongoing physical presence in the community but by pouring tens of thousands of dollars --no, make that tens of millions of dollars -- into the village including the school district. Including toward health care. Does all the money make it all right? Absolutely not. But a certain reality is the financial infusion will prop up those impacted. Out of this awfullness will come good. In spirit and also a lot of "brand new" such as the park that will undergo a major facelift.
A year in and we should all continue to appreciate the efforts of the first responders. They came from near and far with a singular purpose of protecting the residents of East Palestine. They did.
A year in and we should all appreciate the efforts of folks from near and far volunteering their time while providing water, food, clothing, money and shoulders to cry on. It was needed.
A year in and we should all be mindful of the efforts of those legislators trying to push a rail safety bill through on a federal level. We all cringe when knowing how the government works. Slower than molasses going through a narrow funnel. Get rid of all the lobbyists and the bill will get through. Good luck with that.
A year in and we should respect the efforts of local law enforcement and our court system in catching those genius criminals fraudulently swiping derailment benefit monies meant for the truly deserving. Some will find out that jail isn't to be confused with Disney World.
A year in and we commend those who have provided your local newspapers with any and all information which we can, in turn, provide for our print and digital readers. Cooperation is critical in getting the word out. Again, thanks to those officials and spokespeople who truly appreciate the importance of local journalism.
In today's Columbiana County Newspapers we are running multiple feature stories. You will notice we opted not to run a single "day of" horror story or any shock-and-awe photos. You have read, heard and seen them all. We will leave that to the sensationalist-driven outside media tribe which is likely camping out in East Palestine as this is written awaiting the day of the first anniversary of the derailment. Think armies of ants converging at a picnic. And then the outside media as its wont will scurry off to the next big tragedy somewhere in our country. At least until Biden finally shows up. Then they will return in droves.
A year in and we praise all of the hearty and galvanized residents moving forward and forging an even sturdier community for their children and grandchildren to grow up in and prosper. Tragedies often breed opportunities. East Palestine strong, indeed.