The hands of hard work

Back in the days when work was bone-deep hard and money was so scarce that people often barded for necessities, Mama recalled many stories of that time.Like most teenagers, I half listened but asked questions to be polite.“Down this road,” Mama pointed at worn-out asphalt that had once been red...

One of the most famous men I ever knew

His name is Calvin.There will never be a monument, a bridge, or dirt road named for him.But in this part of the South, his name, Calvin Stewart, will be engraved in our hearts forever.Calvin was a patrol officer for the local sheriff’s department.

Remember what’s important – and what’s not

Have you ever read, seen, or heard something that sticks in your mind like glue and just won’t go away? I have. It was an article that appeared recently in The New York Times.

America is already great; make it good again

Dear Mr. President, I am writing a letter you likely will never see or even know of its existence. So, why the effort?Just because I think it needs to be said.You won the election, no question about it. That makes you president. My president.

The joy of the rain

It was in the gloaming of a hot, July evening. I was dressed in jeans, an Elvis tee shirt, and farm boots, cleaning weeds near the stream that runs under our driveway.A bristling wind suddenly lifted the leaves and I looked up to see the skies darkening further. I called to the dogs.“Y’all c’mon.

Some random thoughts on random subjects

It was a simple gesture.Probably meaningless to anyone but me.We were at the funeral home, celebrating the well-lived, godly life of our Aunt Kathleen.

My cousin

It was a simple gesture.Probably meaningless to anyone but me.We were at the funeral home, celebrating the well-lived, godly life of our Aunt Kathleen.

Operation Christmas Child off ers thanks for contributions

Dear Editor,The overwhelming generosity of the people of Milledgeville helped provide joy to children in need through Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts this season. Across the U.S., the Samaritan’s Purse project collected 10.5 million shoebox gifts in 2024.

The wedding gift

It was a wedding gift.We never knew from whom it came. Even after all these years.I just opened the front door and there sat a quart jar of clear liquid. My first thought was that it was water.Then I saw the note.“Congratulations on your marriage.

Some facts of life for a new great-grandson

Dear Samuel Knox Wansley:Who are you, and who am I? The answer is that you are the youngest member of the family, still awaiting your first birthday, and I am your great-grandfather who doesn’t have that many birthdays left ahead.