Will the Sun Ever Shine Again?

We have had some rain, haven't we? I really enjoy a rainy day, but I am pretty sure most of the rest of you would sort of like to see a sunny day now and then. I do hope some of this water from heaven is getting to our aquifer. I know it is getting to the rivers, creeks, ditches and low spots in the yards. Since most of us have had huge, heavy trucks in our yards cleaning up from the big freeze, there are plenty of low spots, I can tell you.

Speaking of the big freeze, last week's chamber of commerce banquet was a tribute to everyone who worked so hard to get us safely through that time. The list was long and the praise was high. We are a few months removed from that catastrophe now and time has softened the memories a bit, but watching the slide show of pictures brought it all back for me. We were really in a mess here and so many people worked hard and long to get us back on track and keep us as safe and comfortable as possible.

We also looked to our future. The Innovative Training Center downtown promises to do so much for our community and at a time when people really need options. RHS Helping Hands Foundation has become a constant here and we are looking forward to a world class Gaither Family event here in the summer to support it. I am so very proud to be part of this community.

And of course I really enjoyed getting to know Pearline. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see her around again.

Bowden's Family Restaurant catered the affair and I just want to say, "Thanks." Fried catfish and hush puppies and all the trimmings. What a feast!

Shane and Teresa Roofe were two honorees who were unable to share in our celebration, as Shane had surgery in Little Rock that afternoon. I hear he is recovering nicely. So, Shane, get well soon. I hear Steve Malin came down from St. Louis to spend some time with Shane over the week-end.

I suppose he spent a little time with his mom, Jessie while he was here too.

Also missing were Richard and Jessica Earles. They were busy bonding with their brand new daughter, Tillie Rose. Yes, Tillie arrived earlier that afternoon in perfect shape. She had quite the welcoming committee too. Grandma Martha and Grandpa Jim were both on hand to welcome their new granddaughter.

As a matter of fact, as I was standing in line waiting to get in to the banquet I was telling some friends that I had talked with Jessica on the way to the hospital that morning but had not heard anything since then, when all of a sudden a cell phone with a picture was right in front of my face. Becky Pruett had one of the first pictures of baby Tillie Rose. I just love this small town.

I also had an email earlier in the day from Jessica's old high school friend, Jaime Marschalk in Georgia. She and a few of her old classmates had a mini reunion and were wishing Jessica could be there with them. They hadn't been able to get in touch with Jessica to let her know their thoughts were with her. I was delighted to be able to carry that message.

Demitra and Terry Shultz have been busy the past two week-ends. Cousin Carol Hauserman and her son Kim visited from Lima, OH. The four of them went to Branson for a few days, where they saw three shows. Of course they also went to the riverfront and visited the downtown area too. Demetra says they had a lot of fun. I know they did.

Demetra and Terry then met with some other cousins in Sikeston, MO. Bill Pruett with his daughter Beth and his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Laura had lunch with Terry and Demetra at Lambert's, "The Throwed Rolls Place. If you have ever been there you know they had a good time and a good meal. Always a winning combination.

Nicole (Beacham) Benson is still doing well and she and Dustin are really looking forward to meeting their little girl within the next few weeks.

Jim Stone began his chemo therapy this week so let's all send him our best. We are looking forward to seeing that cancer go into remission.

I guess it is time for me to go. Have a great week, everyone, and look for some sunshine. I am pretty sure that the rain will end at some point, and in the not too distant future we will be begging for it. So I think I will try to enjoy the rainy days as much as I can while they are here.

Please let me know what goes on with you. I really enjoy hearing from you. My address is 514 West 3rd St. Phone: (870) 595-3173 and email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net.