SCENE IN PASSING
At last. February has arrived - my favorite month of the year. And why? Well, it's short, like me. Before it's over, I can believe some of us will be wishing for more time. The flow of events from the Pink Building via the legislature, suggest a multitude of decisions to be made. Based on the few sessions I have been privileged to witness, it appears that no other previous session has had so much focus. People are disturbed. As our friend Wiley Shattuck used to say, "The natives are restless." It is not likely to be the happiest time for any of us, especially the 150 plus 31 who office in the Capitol. And we're not likely, all of us that is, to be happy about everything. But hopefully, most of us can be happy about some of the decisions. You know my heart feelings on the Texas State Railroad. But that's not the only issue which has supporters on two sides of the fence. Long ago we learned that the fine art of politics is called "compromise." It is also understood that these are "give and take" projects. "The government giveth and the government taketh." Those are words of wisdom from our former State Rep. Cliff Johnson. And that rule works pretty well until the government starts to take more than it gives. Time will tell.

MARIE WHITEHEAD editor@mediactr.com

Have you observed the signs of spring that are emerging all around? The blossoms of the eternal, early bloomer, the japonica, are now appearing. The narcissus popped up in late December. The robins arrived. And any minute now our purple martins will be here to scout out last year's domicile. They'll come to check it out. See if the house or houses are still there. And obviously, they must assure their winged family members that there is a plentiful supply of food and water. It takes a lot of planning when you're a migratory bird, living on the wing.

The family of Dr. George and Jan Atkinson has grown in recent years. They recently shared a family photo of their daughter, Jennifer, with her husband and children.

The wild geese were seen flying south as late as early December in our area. Does that mean they will be returning home to the North a bit later this year? A friend, now gone, could predict weather patterns by the movement of wild geese. I wouldn't need the geese if I had just remembered to gather the seeds of persimmons. Weather forecasts are said to be locked inside the kernels of the persimmon. Just think. All of this bologna and about $1 will still get you coffee and conversation around town.

A surprise envelope contained the photo shown here. You will remember Jennifer Atkinson, daughter of Dr. George and Mrs. Jan Atkinson when they were the parsonage family at First United Methodist Church in the late 70s. But you can see how the family has grown. There's Jennifer, a happy mommie, her spouse, the happy dad, and sons are Jordan Coby Clark Hernandez, now 4- l/2 years. He's their little Cowboy. Ryan Angel Hernandez is 10 months old and he's their "little pumpkin." Clearly, the youngsters are the apples of their grandparents' eyes. Pictures like this remind us that time really can fly.

It is good to hear from all of you. I like being connected. So does another writer: "Ernest Howard Martin Sr., my son, does enjoy the Cherokeean Herald. As he says, 'like father, like son.' True. We both like Scene in Passing. Yes, the Cherokeean Herald keeps us connected, but understand that he has free calls anywhere being retired from Pacific Bell. He and brother Fred were known as The Bell Boys. His intense interest in newspapers is because he is past city manager of Roseville, Calif. as well as past president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and is at present owner of Integral Financial Management, "Transforming Financial Vision into Reality." His "ole' Dad" is quite proud of him. All the Martins' fans are required to give three cheers.

Another reader known to many of us is James C. (Jim) Murphy. He's kin to a bunch of folks in Alto. And he penned a note to say "job well done." This made me smile. But then I scanned further, "We would be lost without it." And I wanted to cry. You see, I know that nothing lasts forever, but I like to pretend it does.

Here's another note from a mutual friend to Chris Davis and your writer.

She is Sylda Landrum, formerly of Alto, and she writes: "I look forward to my paper each week. Marie, I love yours and Chris Davis' columns. Tell Chris I'm still looking. Thanks and best wishes to all. When Chris reads this, perhaps he will tell me the inside story?"

More news this week from a special, favored friend. She is Mary Goff. And she's about the only person left in town who is old enough to remember with me, all the stories of Rusk.

She hasn't changed a bit since we met in the early 50s.

Anyway, Mary will celebrate her 95th birthday Feb. 17. She said she had recently suffered a "slip, trip, fall" event, but broke no bones. An abrasion on her arm.

Guess what else? She did not even spill her cup of coffee. Mary is one of those "forever 15" youngsters.

She only has to go five more years and she can observe the big 1-0-0. If I put money on such, I would bet Mary will make it.

We certainly do wish it for her. If you have a moment, call her. She's in the phone book. (903) 683-2466.

The prayer chain around town has been more than busy. It is good to report to you that Hank Watson survived the removal of a lung Monday, Jan. 29. His dear wife, Jimmye, suffers from vision problems.

In the evening following his surgery, Hank announced to all that he was starving to death. He wanted food.

That has always been a good sign at any stage of illness. When the patient's appetite returns, it's like the dawn of a new sunrise.

If you enjoy history as much as I do, you'll enjoy next week's words. Rona Long, sister of the late Charlene Long, generously shared several newspaper clippings.

One is about a man who celebrated his 100th birthday in Wells. Another was the dedication of our beautiful, Cherokee County Courthouse.

Friends, your support with words for this space is greatly appreciated. An "attitude of gratitude" is one of the great blessings of life.

May we never lose this mighty weapon for the good of mankind. You have to smile for gratitude to shine.