Yes, this statement is coming in mid-August. Okay, stop begging, I’ll tell you why.

It is this time each year when we reach way, way back and try to give ourselves a giant pat on the back. You know some major ego stroking. Sure Mike and I are gruff on the exterior, but we need to feel the love too. Okay, I’m the only gruff one.

So what better way to swell our heads than to try and win more awards in the annual Midsouth Emmy Awards. Yep, it’s that time of year. Our region is setup so we pick our best shows and stories from July 1st to June 30th. It’s just the way it’s set up.

At first glance, it does seem a bit egotistic and self indulgent. But, for us it is just kind of a way to see how we match up against our peers at other fine stations in Raleigh, Nashville and other cities nearby. If we’re lucky we will get nominated and go to Nashville in January, get all dressed up and attend the big award show.

You know, even as I try to write about it and put it in flattering terms, it still looks a bit like were looking for a pat on the back. Well, fine! Okay, we need to feel the love, that’s not a bad thing is it?

But honestly, the fun part of the process is figuring out which stories from the past year to enter. So Mike and I sit down and go over the 50-60 pieces and CT shows we’ve done the 365 days. And it’s during this part of it when I realize just how many amazing people Mike and I come across in the job.

I’ve been in the television business fifteen years. That equates to literally thousands of stories I’ve covered. But the Traveler job is something special. We get to share the best people and places this area called the Carolinas has to offer with you. And sure, they’re not all gems. That’s not possible. But it’s the few great stories we get a year, those gems, that make me think each time we get into the car that to go to a new story that this one might be our best yet.

So that long soliloquy is over and here are a few people that made this past year one worth coming into work everyday.

Wiinnefred Nance. The name may not ring a bell, but maybe this will. Mrs. Nance is a little old lady who felt she was being forced off her land by a major metropolitan city in our viewing area. Nobody would listen to her complaints so she put up a big yellow sign on the front of her home: “The Sh***y City is running me out of my home.” Not too many grandmothers have that in them. We’ve all felt wronged by the man, but haven’t had the guts to go this far. Way to go Winnefred!

Dr. Alfred Rhyne. We did a story on a poor young man with a bad back who was in excruciating pain. How is that a Carolina Traveler story you ask? Well, that poor young man was me! Even worse, Mike and I decided it would be fun to do a story on my back surgery. Nothing like having your friend and show host tease your doctor minutes before surgery! So Dr. Rhyne thanks for being a good sport.

Brooklyn Decker. Normally when a man gets to meet a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model he would think he died and went to heaven. Well, I got to cross that one of my list this year. The only problem is that beautiful model was only 18 and this old man turned 36 this year. Oh, and I celebrated eight years of marriage too. But more importantly, supermodel Brooke Decker has the world in front of her and a great family standing behind her. We met her back when she was only 16 and on the rise. Her star has raised to great heights and it has not gone to her head. It’s always fun seeing truly good people do well in life.

And finally Marcus Thomas. This is the one that when I’m having a horrible day and I need to remember life is pretty darned good, I just remember Marcus. He was a ski instructor, loved the outdoors. That all changed one day. He crashed into a tree while skiing down a mountain. Marcus hasn’t walked since that day and never will. He can move his head, that’s it.

Instead of complaining or giving up, Marcus took up painting. Yes, painting. He puts the brush in his mouth. And no it hasn’t just been something for him to do. Marcus has turned into one fine artist. Don’t take my word for it, http://www.marcusthomas.com/
All I have to do to remember his incredible journey is to look on the wall at home. I bought one of his paintings. Yes, a small one, I’m too poor to get one of his big ones!

So another year down and I can once again look back and say with a smile, it was a pretty good year. And the best part is Mike and I get back in the car in a few days to find a few more stories. Guess it’s time to find some new gems and memories for the next year ahead.

See you Saturday night at 7:30pm.

Andy Benton
Carolina Traveler sidekick