Good bye to a friend

By Staff
This week I am very sad to see the Franklin County Sheriff's Department say a final goodbye to someone they truly loved.
Several weeks ago I wrote a story about everyone saying goodbye to Frances "Maw Maw" Sockwell as she moved away to live with her son for health reasons.
I remember Pam at the Sheriff's Department calling and thanking me for the story and telling me that Maw Maw knew about the scrapbook the department was putting together for her before she had a chance to give it to her that afternoon.
Pam told me the story made Maw Maw feel special. Those words made me happy because I knew that Maw Maw was special to many in Franklin County.
She was special even to me.
I did not know her as well as many did. I only knew her for a few months before she finally retired from the department.
But even a blind person could see how special she was to many in our county.
This week Maw Maw returned to Franklin County, but this time there were tears of sadness because this would be the place she would be laid to rest.
I watched as the officials of the sheriff's department made preparations for a police funeral, and I could see the sadness they were feeling, and I felt the sadness for them.
I know that death is a part of life and that we all have our appointed time and place. Even though all of this is true, it is not easy to lose someone you love regardless of how ill they might have become.
I know that Maw Maw will not be forgotten in this county, but I know that time will make the sadness fade and the memories even more sweet.
My sympathy and condolences go out to all her family, and to all of the law enforcement family who will miss her so.
And to Maw Maw, you were one of a kind and you were special. That can easily be seen by looking around the county, where so many lives were touched by your humor, your kindness and your love.
You will be greatly missed here.