with Melea Beshires
We have had some remarkable sunsets this year! I always love a winter sunset. There is something almost magical about the soft pastel lights overlaying an otherwise barren landscape. I came across this poem by Mary Oliver that is a beautiful reflection on winter days. I have spent a lot of January indoors like many, but when I bundle up to walk my dogs or let the kids play in the snow, I find an enchanting world awaits.
“Walking Home From Oak-Head”
“There is something/about the snow-laden sky/in winter/in the late afternoon/that brings to the heart elation/and the lovely meaningless/of time/Whenever I get home—whenever—/somebody loves me there/Meanwhile/I stand in the same dark place/as any pine tree/or wander on slowly/like the still unhurried wind/waiting/as for a gift/for the snow to begin/which it does/at first casually/then, impressively/Wherever else I live—/in music, in words/in the fire of the heart/I abide just as deeply/in this nameless indivisible place/this world/which is falling apart now/which is white and wild/which is faithful beyond all our expressions of faith/our deepest prayers/Don’t worry, sooner or later, I’ll be home/Red-cheeked from the roused wind/I’ll stand in the doorway/stamping my boots and slapping my hands/my shoulders/covered with stars.”
Mary Lynn Lambert shared with me some sympathies and prayer requests this month. “Condolences to the family of Margie Sue Cox Howell. She was reared in Silerton and was buried in the Silerton Baptist Church Cemetery.
Condolences also extend to the family of Tommy Emerson.
Prayers are appreciated for Mrs. Bessie Harris as she is recovering from COVID.
A big shout out goes to Mike Tims. Mike had a rough time last year dealing with COVID and other complications. He works as a respiratory therapist at Jackson-Madison County Hospital. His boss nominated him for the “Heroes Among Us” award through the Jackson rotary. Mary Lynn Lambert shared that Mike was humbled, but so deserving of the honor. He is hoping to return to work on Feb. 9.”
January birthdays include the following: Carolyn Vales, Jan. 14; Marvin Sykes, Jan. 15; Frankie Lambert, Jan. 16; Melea Beshires, Jan. 20; Richard Crowley, Jan. 24; and Otto Beshires, Jan. 31.
On Thursday, Jan. 20, several friends gathered at Brenda’s restaurant in Henderson to celebrate birthdays. Marvin Sykes and Richard Crowley were birthday attendees. Frankie Lambert and Carolyn Vales were unable to attend. Joining in the celebrating was Larry Murley and Larry and Anita Lambert.
