Well, it's that time again-time to make a dreaded, proverbial "change." Of course making a change doesn't mean it has to be for the worse; however, I know many will balk even at the word "change." Since I had no control over the loss of Ed Baldwin's column, I am taking the opportunity to make a change that, for many of our readers, will be considered an improvement.

Since becoming Editor of the Claiborne Progress, I have heard many complaints about our Opinion/Editorial Section. Most of the complaints center on the fact that we do not offer more diversity in the columnists we print. I think "now" is the perfect opportunity to add a new columnist to our page and make the necessary change. Beginning with today's issue, a new columnist has been added to run along side and offer an opposing view to Thomas and O'Reilly each week.

We here at the Claiborne Progress also believe it is important to offer different perspectives on the various issues that impact our society, so we hope you enjoy the change. It is just as important to hear from our readers when they like a change as it is to hear from them when we do something they do not like. All too often, there is no feedback at all regarding the changes we make.

Change can be very hard for some, and it's one of those things that require practice. The more we adapt to the changes in our lives, the easier it becomes to accept change and its results. Change forces us into growth. Yes, sometimes it can bring sorrow, but regardless of how we "feel" about change most things in this world do eventually change.

I've tried hard in my lifetime to embrace the changes that have come my way. In doing so, I have often found a sense of accomplishment and confidence that has made the living and losing easier and living and winning, I hope, a more grace-filled and humbling experience.

In the challenge of mutability, I have found the reward of new experiences and knowledge that may not have otherwise come my way. Overall, I think accommodating change in our lives, be it large or small, can make us better, stronger people.

Mary Hodges is the Editor of The Claiborne Progress and The Union County Times.