Since I've been home this summer, I've heard a lot of negative things about our community and Madison County as a whole. I've heard people complaining about the town, the people in it, and just wanting to leave. It's not rare to hear "only in Mad Co." when something happens.

Many people go to school outside of Madison County or they seek jobs elsewhere - I am one of those people.

I was so determined to go to college out of state and never come back, but yet I always find myself coming home. No matter how much you hate this place or wish you grew up someplace better, this is home and it always will be.

We have people that have lived here their whole lives. They grew up here, graduated from here, and now they work here and have family here. We have some amazing small businesses that got their start right here in Mad Co.

Although Madison County might not be all that in a bag of chips, I have to argue that we have the most amazing people in it. Take this past week, for example. Our community is facing the loss of one of our own, and during this tragic time, we have all come together as one huge family.

Social media can be viewed as such a negative thing, but yet right now, it's become a resource for our community to spread love while we all grieve. I've seen people posting memories and videos. There's a food drive going on for the family. Even our rival schools and other county fairs are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers during this time.

These are just a few examples of what people are doing to support each other. This is one of the perks of living in a small farm town. We are all able to grieve and support each other together because we truly are one big family and that's something we can all appreciate and be proud of.

Please send your thoughts and prayers to the Cordell family and our community as we face this difficult time.