SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com
Our gratitude to all of you who send comments when you renew your subscription. One person who called to renew on her credit card stated that it was nice to get her news via e-mail, but she wanted to get the "hard copy" to hold in her hands. Cut saver items for the scrapbook, too. Hopefully, the computer will continue to be just another technological improvement but leave room for the "real thing." A longtime reader, Joe M. Fulton, writes, "to renew to a great paper. I really enjoy keeping up with the local news. Also continue "waxing" the guys on the football "guess-guesser" scores." That last comment was meant for our multi-talented Tara Crosby, who lead the pack in football picks last season.

A relative renewed for Dorothy Smith and had these words. "Aunt Dorothy and Uncle 'Cootie' (deceased) were born and reared in Alto. She was a Findley. She has always enjoyed keeping up with Alto/Cherokee County news, especially Chris' column. She is familiar with the old-timers at her young, 84 years of age." Another who is probably from that same family, renews with "thanks for providing us with local news." She was kind enough to renew for Ken Findley, Larry Findley and Bryan Campbell, also her own, to Bob and Jo Ann Findley Williams. Wow. It doesn't get any better than this. You all make my day.

Our area was deeply saddened by the news of Madelyn (sp) Sharp's death Saturday. All who knew her will not be surprised by the way she spent her last minutes on Earth. Her grandson was having a birthday party in the afternoon. She had dressed for attendance and was waiting for someone to come drive her to the festivities. And while quietly, patiently waiting, a big pain brought her to a stop. Such suddenness is difficult on family members. But I think of it as mercy for a live wire gal like Madelyn. She has been one of the most energized, active senior citizens I have every watched in action. Many will miss her happy humor. Bet she already has a spot at the morning coffee table picked out.

It was a personal sadness for some of the guys who used to meet regularly, morning and afternoon, for coffee at the Pitt Grill. Among them were the Better Half, Judge James Long and the very funny fellow, Gene Kelley. Dewitt Jenkins and Clyde Stewart were also regulars. Clyde departed shortly after Himself. Mr. Dewitt just kept walking. He was a walker back then and during the past 4-1/2 years he had continued doing so. He believed in that recommended activity and did all that he could to sustain life. He maintained a quality of life until the end. He is to be saluted - a very tough and good fellow.

There are many who need to be remembered. Just a few of these are Debbie Struhall, Stan Nolley, Dottie and Ronnie Norton, Dovie Curtis, Ronny Gates, Eva Cummins, Mary Goff, Frank Bowden and Opal Hendrick. Of course, the family of Madelyn.

We hope to have a surprise next week--a guest writer. Maybe the next week. And the next. Who can tell how he will like this life style change? I may be able to adjust to some down time, too. Let's welcome a former Wells resident now retired to his hometown. He is Roy Lenard White. And he has a good way with words.

So, let me wish an early Happy Mother's Day to all of you Moms and all of you who hope to becomemoms. I wouldn't have missed my experience for anything. Only parent knows what non-parents have missed. And they, the nons, might say that the other way around. On that, you should be laughing. Happy conclusions to our precious students as they go down home stretch during a significant time of their lives. And wish me well, too. This is significant in that many of us are engaged in an exercise called, "To Save Our Train." Keep smiling and I will give it my best.