SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com
The Holy Season has arrived. Santa's visit during our annual Christmas parade Nov. 28 marked the official kick off for a buyer's market - meaning local businesses want to make your gift shopping as easy as possible. Those who attended the parade agreed that a bigger, better event has never before been staged. All who worked so tirelessly to bring it together are to be congratulated.

The Texas State Railroad's long-awaited money from the state arrived Thursday, Nov. 30. With eyes focused on the future, we can point with pride to the TSR as a vehicle of historical value and use it to open doors of opportunity for economic development.

Programs of praise in word and song are scheduled at area churches. School activities tied to this holiday mark a time for future reflections of "ties that bind" from friendships. What a great thing to make great memories.

Friends and family gathered for a post-Thanksgiving dinner at our daughter's farm in McDade Nov. 24. It was gratifying to have all Mom's descendants present with the exception of one grandson and family and one great-granddaughter. It was equally gratifying to see all the Hereford cattle at the McDade farm where our younger child carries on her dad's love for animals.

Not all of us are so blessed with good health right now. On the seriously ill list is Paul Moseley. We lived next door when his parents Martin and Jane resided on Sixth Street. He was just a child of five or six. Time passed and he found a community of Little People in another state where he enjoyed years of good life. More recently he has been home where his Angel Cousin, Dolores Bryson, has provided his various needs. Pneumonia was diagnosed. At last report, he was on a respirator. He has been the subject of many prayers since his illness.

Another couple are Jim and Joyce Turner. After an amputation, Jim was not healing well. It is possible he will have more rehab.

It is necessary to apologize. Last week there was an incorrect identification of people in the Persons' family as I tried to report the health of Jimmy Persons. I referred to Barbara, his niece, when I meant to note his sister Patricia. I sincerely apologize.

This week should see the next step in construction of a new building on the west side of the square. It is located at the site of the well known Moseley Drug Store, next door to Stovall Cleaners, which both burned. This new project is the work of Bruce and Carol Stovall. They will operate Tosh Insurance Agency from this structure.

Stephanie Caveness is moving forward with plans for "B. Sweet Antiques and Surprises." In a way, it is a coming home for her and Lewis because this is the same location at which they opened a real estate company when they retired and returned to Rusk. It had been more recently the home of State Farm Insurance, owned by Austin Young, until he built a beautiful new structure on north Main Street across from Brookshire Bros. In that neighborhood, Don and Cookie Crawford's son joined them from across the street with a transmission shop.

Portable buildings have gone on display from the old milk plant location, U.S. Highway 69. This is an investment by the Isaacs family, Johnny and Jimmy, sons of Dub and the late Ola Mae. Others are diligently searching for just the right place to "hang out their shingle." We are growing.

It truly is the season for Angels. Aren't we blessed? Here are a few words to ponder: "Angels meet us coming and going. They cross our paths. They walk by our sides. They lead us, follow us and pave the ground beneath us. They do whatever it takes to help us do the things God has called us to do." That's worth remembering. Keep smiling.