SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com
We have had rain. More rain. And still more rain. But not as much as some of our other Texas neighbors. The greatest damage to our area has been at the Texas State Railroad. Huge holes were left in the aftermath of flowing water. Tracks were left hanging in mid-air. But the good news is that the damage done is fixable. It just calls for time, a little money and personnel. Texas Parks and Wildlife officials and staff are doing their best to get us back on track for the big transition Sept. 1. Obviously, we all want what is best for this beloved piece of history. We want its contribution to the local economy through tourism. And we want what is best for the faithful TSR staff members who have worked ceaselessly for the benefit of the train's operation. Certainly, the prospective operator for TSR, American Heritage, has been steady during the rainy days. They have not shown a speck of pessimism. They have been exceedingly optimistic, even offering to come early and help. In the next six weeks we should see significant progress made in the restored operation of TSR. All supporters of the train's continued service are busy making plans for the famous Thomas the Tank's appearance in October. There will be two weekends for this extravaganza. Thankfully, we have August, September and half of October to get ready for the gala. And by the time all of this comes about, some of us hope we will be able to count rolls of hay for next winter's feeding.

MARIE WHITEHEAD

Well, this isn't the only thing happening, but it has been at the top of the "what's new" list for a few weeks. We have good news about some of the folks on our prayer lists. Little Cooper Voyde Stanaland is slowly gaining weight in an incubator at Shreveport. His parents, Adriene and Jason Stanaland, sister Marilyn and grandparents, Fay and Lester Hughes, visit the baby as often as allowed. As residents of Rusk, Fay and Lester, keep us posted on Cooper's progress. Another Rusk resident, Charles Davis, recently gained a new liver in a Dallas hospital. Wife Joni has been there and keeps locals posted. He progressed sufficiently to be moved to a nearby hotel. He did very well until he spiked a temp and was returned to the hospital July 18. At this writing, he is holding steady. So are many prayers for him and Joni.

Son-inlaw l Robert Gonzalez celebrated a milestone birthday last Thursday. He calls his 55th birthday "double nickels."

Every day is somebody's birthday. But it seems like we're hearing about more of them. And we're very grateful to all of you who share the news of your celebrations.

Bobbie Gunther

Many of you will remember the Guenther family, residents of Rusk for many years. One of the family is H. L. (Lawrence) who sends greetings to his sister, Barbara (Bobbie) Guenther Kravitz on her birth date Aug. 8. She was a member of the RHS class of 1944. (I can identify with that era easily. I was a member of the Huntsville High class of '45.) Words for his sister sent by Lawrence are these: "Welcome to the octogenarian club. I hope your 80s will be good to you. I feel I have been blessed with mine so far. I hope you have a happy birthday and wish I could be there to celebrate with you." Doesn't this sound like a wonderful brother-sister relationship?

Even though our loved ones have moved on, it is important that we pause to remember. The family of Eldon Bothwell pays tribute to him on what would have been his 100th birthday July 29. See elsewhere, this issue, for their words of love. They include Donna, Charles, Kirby, Lisa, Scarlet, Sierra, Kerry, Anna, Taylor, Haley, Sherrell, David, Rob, Kerry, Lesley, Phillip, Brad. Jen, Megan and Austin.

If I write any more, it will be cut. Have you noticed that my words are getting shorter and shorter while "the" Judge keeps crawling up the page? If he keeps this up, I may have to appeal to a higher authority, his motherin law, Juanita. Just joking.

Like many of you, the first thing I want to read on this page is "High Points El Camino Real."

He really has good words and knows how to spin them into good copy. He is one of our many blessings. So are you. Keep smiling.