SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD

herald@mediactr.com

We need to catch up with reports on how some of our less than well, but getting better, folks are doing. For starters, how about the good news from Sarah Summers? She was told by medical advisers last week that she can begin to think about getting her golf clubs ready. She is happy and so are all of us who hold her in high regard. She has a special spirit that lifts others' spirits.

Another good news story is that of special friend, Dominique Taraborelli. He has been declared in a state of remission. He and his family are quite excited. Remission is a state of pure blessing. It says that a person has been to the edge of life and suddenly stopped. A few steps back and the turn around begins for the possibility of a bright future. Mr. Dominique and spouse Bobbie are all smiles, as we smile and thank God with them, for them.

Prayers at this writing are intense and serious for the well being of two of our own. Ronnie and Dottie Norton need an abundance of faith, courage, strength, hope and everything else to bring them through. She suffers from the same illness that the Better Half endured for so many years, Chrohn's disease. And Ronnie is the victim of being at the wrong place at the wrong time when another's problem landed on him. He became the victim of a bullet in his ankle, outside the ETMC Hospital where Dottie has been for more tests/evaluations. He will have a few weeks of rehab while his body heals. Perhaps it will comfort them to spend more time together while their bodies get better.

Dub Isaacs' family is happy to report that their beloved leader continues in his bout with complications caused by diabetes. He is expected to be back at his assigned post at his place of business on U.S. 69 North. This man has been described as having a heart as big as Dallas. And I do know that he offers a huge helping hand to many we never hear about. Mainly, he doesn't want to talk about his good works. I hope some day he will. He is one of the few people still in business in Rusk, who was here when we arrived at the end of May in 1950.

Recently a sad letter was received from our beloved Lithana (Fanny) Sessions. She explains her problem. "I was born in Texas. Texas is still in me but I am in California." She still has a wonderful and positive sense of humor. She sent quite a number of pictures for me to help get to the grandchildren of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. C. McLaughlin. Now, I must start again trying to find that family in Lufkin. We still haven't negotiated the transfer of Mr. Mac's diploma of pharmacy certification, recently passed on to me by Greg Majors. Wow. That's a long story. One day, I will get all these loose ends tied down.

There is for me, the ongoing, unending story of the Texas State Railroad. Please don't just wait and wonder. Do something. Write a letter to the editor, any publication. Send letters to our state Rep. Chuck Hopson, state Sen. Robert Nichols, also the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the house. Don't think for one minute that your voice doesn't count. Your opinion matters. Help all of us who are doing our best to save the train.

It is true that I let my thoughts turn to the past to write for this space. That's because I know the past so much better than the present or future. Now that's supposed to make you smile, at least. And it lets me begin a new thought about new people. Many brand new citizens are all around us, no doubt. But until our paths cross, we don't know each other. We've had wonderful opportunities recently to meet several welcomed additions to the community of Rusk. One is Doug Byfield who with his wife Lela lives in the beautiful Guinn Hill Home on top of Guinn Hill. They have renamed this historic structure Grace Manor and they are promoting it as the potential site for others' historic moments, like weddings. Doug is the admitted "honey do" man and he is working his heart out to bring this mansion of beauty to a pristine state of remembered elegance. Watch for more on this couple as time goes by. Another couple is Ann Hunicutt who with her spouse are proud owners of another historic structure in downtown Rusk. They have bought property that once belonged to the Moseley family. But Ann is pursuing its history, starting with the architect who played a major role in Rusk's early development.

For all of you program chairmen seeking speakers for your special organization, here are two new names for you to find, meet and invite to come and talk to your group.

They are wonderful people and no doubt will contribute greatly to the future of our community. To keep these highly important, historic properties alive and well is a significant contribution. I can only wish for them the long life of love and work in Rusk that it has been our privilege to enjoy.

February is traditionally Black History Month. I am grateful that a month was finally designated to focus on a body of people who have contributed so much to the growth and development of our nation and world. In recent copy crossing my desk, this statement by the late Martin Luther King spoke to my heart and sense of humor.

Please enjoy. "We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now." Go ahead. Grin.