February 2010 - Small Towns and Family

Our small little town is very close knit. Everyone knows everyone and if you don't, you know so and so, who is kin to so and so - that's how small towns work. We've lost some good folks from our little town in the past month. We've celebrated weddings and births. We've faced unexpected and tragic loss of a little one. And we do what small towns do - we bring food, we bring hugs, we shed tears, and we carry on. It doesn't mean we forget, we just push ourselves to move forward and we cherish the memories. I came home today to the news of a neighbor losing his last battle with cancer. He has fought and won on at least two prior occasions, but the beast was bigger than he was. We will miss Mr. Davis and his sense of humor, but his spirit lives on through his grandchildren - what a character! We will miss our neighbor and friend. So when I complain about having to drive 4o minutes to get to a Target or a Sonic, I'm not really complaining at all. I live in a small town where I actually know my neighbors, and they know me. I wouldn't have it any other way.

As for my little brood, we are still playing basketball! Paxton's JV SGA Warrior team won their region tournament and have retired for the season. Parker's made it through the region tournament and are headed to state. Now, that sounds impressive, and it is, but there are only five teams in the region and four get to go to State. They went into the tournament the 2nd seed, and finished the 4th. They tend to play hot or cold. Anyway, we are heading to state and hopefully we will have at least one win at the state level. Oh, and Parker was named All-Region along with two of his teammates!

Baseball is right around the corner and Parker will most likely be playing for the school team, and Paxton for the Rec Department. Before baseball gets too out of control, we are looking forward to a few days at the beach for spring break.

Extended family is doing great, too. I have a nephew who is working on his MBA at Auburn, and another who is finishing up his degree at Troy. And yet another one has signed a baseball scholarship with Univ of Ala @ Huntsville. I have a niece who is in Rx school at Auburn. They make us proud!!! We also have a new cousin arriving soon - we will have to find a spot for her in the next 'cousin christmas picture' - and this will be only the 4th girl not counting wives; oh, and we're getting a new cousin in-law, too!

Thanks for reading. Stop by in March - I might actually be able to make it posting two months in a row!!