SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD
Several deadlines are on the horizon. Of course, the IRS is one of them. A happier deadline is the one for the Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show. The young exhibitors have been at work on their various projects for months and months in preparation for the big event. The highly educational show will be held March 30-31 at the Cherokee County Expo and Show Barn on Loop 456 in Jacksonville.

MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com

We're looking forward to contributing our part through the publication of an outstanding souvenir magazine. It will contain photos and information and serve as a reminder of what life was like on the agri-business scene back in 2007. As always, all participants (exhibitors, contestants and volunteer/leaders) are wished the best of the best in this annual project. A special category of these leaders include Ag teachers of Future Farmers of America, Cherokee County Extension personnel who guide the programs for 4-H clubs, with the help of many parents and grandparents. This is one of the most fun events of the year for the whole family. And top it off with a queen's coronation and then a huge barbecue.

Here's another happy celebration from Judy Williams. Her dad, the well known Alvin Burchfield, observed his 94th birthday Feb. 26. His family honored him with a party two days early on Feb. 24. His six children and spouses hosted the event. It was so much fun that Judy told her dad, "Next year when you're 95 we're going to have a really big blowout party and just invite everyone." Okay, get that on your calendar and be watching for the invite. Mr. B. loves to dance. Judy writes more. "Daddy still lives alone and is pretty independent, although he doesn't drive anymore due to an eye condition called Macular Degeneration disease. He calls it the 'old age disease.' I'm the only one of the children who lives in Rusk, so I do his errands like groceries, paying bills, banking, etc. Sometimes I talk him into going with me and then he treats me to lunch, usually a big ole' cheeseburger. He loves them. (French fries, too, no doubt.) We feel very blessed to have our dad at age 94. He is still active in the Rusk Masonic Lodge, the Eastern Star and he goes dancing three or four times a month at the Senior Citizens dances in Jacksonville and Palestine. He is a very special dad and a very special man."

Eric Franklin and children Autumn and Dylan

Now, after all this is said, just my opinion, of course, but I think that Mr. B. is rather pleased to be the father of Judy and five other children. It is good that we are born with the ability to take love in as well as send love out. Our gratitude for Judy's contribution to this space.

All of you who are related to Eric Franklin of Wilkeson, Wash., formerly of around here, listen up. He sent a short epistle to give everyone a heads up on his planned visit to the area. He says, "Just a brief hello to thank you for your nice column and your mention of my book. Thank you ever so much and you have a touch of the poet within your column, 'Scene in Passing.' Although I've not been back home in several years, I've made plans to visit with my extended family Fall '07. Siblings still reside in and around Rusk, Alto, Atoy and of course, J'ville. I'm the eldest and most work (except me) for Rusk State Hospital. The Sessions, Loveladys, Tranthems of Cherokee County. In short I did the family tree in 2001. What a mountain of work that was. Probably this visit will not happen until the fall of 2008. I look forward to stopping by and meeting you." And with thanks to Eric, we also look forward to his visit. Here he is with his two youngsters.

"My two children are Autumn and Dylan. I waited until I was 38 years old to marry. My wife is 19 years my junior. We make a good match. She is a police officer and a librarian and I, a writer. We got married in Jacksonville."

A few names remain on the prayer list of a lot of us. Among them are Dottie and Ronnie Norton. While they are making progress, it is an understood that considerable therapy and rehab are likely to be needed. Just keep praying for these two special people. Dottie struggles with the aftermath of a Crohn's disease flare up. Ronnie was the victim of a bullet. It was not an easy surgery.

Hank and Jimmye Watson are joyfully happy to be on the mend. They are especially grateful for all the kindnesses and prayers. A recent phone visit with Robyn Wilson Ayers also added words of thanks to you for your prayers. This young woman is a miracle in healing. She has come from a nohope position to one of "life is good." She is very grateful to her Creator for the precious gift of continued life and to her friends for their dedicated prayers of concern. And don't forget the needs of all persons serving in the military wherever they are.

May our smiles keep a common bond between us... 'til later.