A piece of my past

A Texas newspaper story began with “Faded country music star, Johnny Rodriguez…” Faded. That hurt my heart. It sounded so brutal.From the age of 12 to the edge of 15, Johnny Rodriguez was my girlhood crush.

A letter, a bracelet, and God’s anonymous hand

The Beloved Woman Who Shared My Name had a refrigerator magnet that said: “Coincidence is God’s Way of Remaining Anonymous.”I have just had a number of coincidences that will require some explanation, so please bear with me.

The surprise of Stan

There sat three of us around a kitchen island in a suburban home outside of Nashville. It was great conversation where three of us were telling stories. One person’s story led to another’s story.Something was said that reminded me of a story, so I started. “I have a friend of more than 35 years.

Looking at a write-in campaign for governor

A number of you agreed with my description of the recent Republican gubernatorial runoff between billionaire businessman Rick Jackson and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones as a mudslinging pig fight and told me you were turned off by both.

Happy Birthday to this great land

Across the rippling creek and over the bridge with its rusty rails, I followed Mama, who was carrying a warm chocolate cake. As any fouryear- old would do, I stopped at the center of the bridge, admiring the lazy water bubbling toward the Chattahoochee.

Remembering a big brother and his big influence

This is going to be a bit up-close-and personal. For the first time in my life, I am without my big brother. Robert Earl Yarbrough, Jr. passed away and it feels surreal. He has always been there. Had he not, I probably wouldn’t be here today. He was not my big brother by size.

Looking back, and ahead in Georgia’s elections

The primaries are over and it’s time to analyze the results in Georgia. Before I begin, it is important you know that Donald Trump has not commented on this column or its author. That is because he doesn’t know either exists. For that, let us give thanks.

Gavin

From the oven, I pulled out a peach cobbler that bubbled and popped beautifully.Outside, Spring had come calling to resurrect what Winter had lulled to sleep. The trees and shrubs were a lovely green and almost in full growth.

Will you leave this a better world?

Have you ever thought about your legacy? Legacy being defined as “the lasting impact one leaves on the world, both the tangible assets they pass down and the intangible influence they have on others.”For some reason, I have been pondering this lately.

No father on father’s day

There is a little boy, age 11, who will, no doubt, fall fitfully to sleep on the eve of Father’s Day. Then, perhaps, he will awaken to a pillow wet with sadness. Many are the people who will spend the day trying valiantly to cheer him up. But in deep sorrow like his, there is no cheer.