Thanks for caring

By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press

It is said that a man’s character is revealed and developed and measured by adversity. Or, put another way, God challenges each of us, but never by giving us more than we can handle.

At least one man of true character and integrity in Highland County has been thoroughly challenged of late. In a span of just a few months, he has lost a father, a stepfather and a son. Please keep his family in your prayers and respect their privacy.

Much more ought to be written here, and I apologize for that. But I do not have the skills necessary to express my respect, concern and admiration for this man and his family. I can’t do it justice. Not today. Maybe some other time.

I do know this, however; our community shares that same respect, concern and admiration. And love. This one will take time. Godspeed.

* * *

• The 43rd annual Ernie Blankenship Memorial Radio-Telethon, sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Hillsboro and Greenfield will be held Wednesday, March 25 at NCB Bank from 6-9 p.m.

Today, I received a brief email correspondence from Ernie’s daughter-in-law, Erin Blankenship, who is married to Ryan “Smoke” Blankenship.

She wrote these three words: “Thanks for caring.”

Erin’s email made me think about Ernie. He cared. He always cared.

We lost Ernie in October 2013, but his legacy will continue through the annual telethon, his NCB scholarships, the ringing of the Victory Bell at Richards Memorial Field and so many of his other good deeds.

As I wrote following an interview with Ernie five years ago (it doesn’t seem like five years ago), Ernie told me: “I learned about the importance of helping others because of the help they gave me at St. Vincent’s Catholic Orphanage for four years.”

Not only did Ernie learn the importance of helping others, he fine-tuned the practice to a work of art. He was a genuine humanitarian, philanthropic, Good Samaritan work of art.

Ernie had been the emcee of the annual Highland County Society for Children and Adults radio-telethon for decades.

Why?

Because he cared. He cared for the handicapped children in need of some additional assistance and he cared for their parents and siblings.

I have watched Ernie reach into his pocket and hand over considerable sums of money just because someone needed a helping hand. Ernie knew what it was like to struggle. He cared.

In the words of Erin, let’s all say “Thanks for caring” on Wednesday, March 25.

Hillsboro Rotarians are inviting everyone to join them at NCB Bank to make their donation and enjoy the fellowship from 6-9 p.m.

“It will be an exciting event with the first hour featuring donations by various school classes, school groups and youth groups from throughout the county,” according to Rocky and Gayle Coss.

Starting at 7 p.m., bids will be taken by telephone on several valuable items of sports memorabilia including baseballs autographed by Cincinnati Reds player Todd Frazier and former Reds great Ken Griffey, Sr. There will also be a bat autographed by Frazier. The big item is expected to be a 2014 National Championship Ohio State football autographed by Urban Meyer.

If you cannot be present, you can make a donation by calling 393-4246 in Hillsboro or 981-9971 in Greenfield. Checks can be mailed to the society at P.O. Box 258, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 or can be dropped off at any local bank which will forward it to the society.

Thanks for caring.

Rory Ryan is publisher and owner of The Highland County Press.