Published: July 06, 2008 12:01 am            

Your Views

Grateful for the support my father received



I have never written a letter to the editor before, but I have experienced something in my life that I would like to share with others. In 1998, my father, Calvin Jones, was 86 years old, lived alone and was doing great. He cleaned his house and mowed his yard. He went down to Jones Cleaners, a business he founded in 1940, each day to visit the new owner and to see what was happening. Then, in just the span of a few months, he had major surgery and was on walker. He tried to continue on his own with my family going over twice a day, but it became clear that this would not work. After a year, he moved to Beverly Healthcare. This was a hard decision for me and my family. I am an only child so it was a decision made by myself, my husband, and our children and by Daddy's brother and sister. What I thought would be the beginning of the end of his life was just the beginning of a wonderful time. His mental condition became so much better! He attended the church services each Sunday, the Wednesday Bible study with the ladies of the Bailey Presbyterian Church, bingo, the group singings, etc. His favorites were the monthly visits from the Jug band and the Dirt Road Band. He made friends with other residents and the staff. He had some wonderful roommates, most especially his last, Mr. Jack Dudley.

A few weeks ago, Daddy went into the hospital with pneumonia. He had fought off pneumonia twice in the past five years. But this time, he was ready to go home to God. We were with him when “he went to heaven” as my granddaughter, Katie Grace, put it. This was a time of some sadness, but of much greater joy knowing that my Daddy is now with God.

We had already planned Daddy’s funeral – a small graveside service, because, at almost 97, we knew he had probably outlived his friends. But we were wrong. When we approached Magnolia Cemetery, we saw a handicapped van. Beverly Healthcare had brought his friends to the funeral! So for those of you who have a loved one who can no longer live alone, there is truly a better alternative. A long-term healthcare facility is not the end of the world. It can be a new fork in this road of life that we all travel. The residents and the staff of Beverly loved my Daddy and he loved them. He spent the last nine years of his life there and they were good, full years. So I want to thank the staff, volunteers and residents for making the last years of my Daddy’s life full.



Gaile J. Culpepper

Meridian



Open letter to Melba Clark:



I am under the impression you served as the chairman of the local Democratic Party, or play a very important role in the local organization. Will you please explain to me and others how city councilman John Harris could be elected, to serve as a representative of the Democratic Party especially since the last election he chose to run as a Republican.

It is my understanding that he played a part in the defeat of Jimmy Smith as he actively campaigned for Wayne Newell who is a Republican. Is Mr. Harris only a Democrat or Republican when he believe it is at his advantage?

This is a clear example why some individuals choose not to vote; it is only a game.



Pat Harris

Meridian



Disagrees with story,

placement



I really enjoy The Meridian Star. I love my mornings reading it with a strong cup of coffee. I am impressed by the high quality newspaper they produce. Like all of us, editors are human and make mistakes. I just hope the May 27th edition isn't the beginning of of a new chapter in poor journalism.

I am referring to the front page article about the malpractice suit between a local physician, Dr. James Green, and his patient Harriet Cantrell. We live in a country with the best legal system in the world; however, due to the fairness of our great judicial system we also live in a litigious society. Lawsuits are a way of life. I just can't determine why you chose to put this particular suit on the front page. This type of journalism can be hugely detrimental to Meridian.

Dr. Green is considered one of the finest orthopedic surgeons in Mississippi. I am confident that when Dr. Green finished his residency he had a multitude of options to start his career. We, the citizens of Meridian, are fortunate to have had him choose us. I just hope after your article he doesn't give up on our community. In a time where Mississippi struggles to attract medical talent, this article and its placement was disheartening.



Jay Davidson

Meridian



Event a huge success



TISBA's Jimmie Rodgers Tribute Week was a huge success.

Thanks to all who came and performed.

You can't name everyone and leave someone out but everyone was great.

We have to thank Theola Grayson and Bill Burks for heading up our entertainment. Thanks to our coffee man, Ray Owen.

Thanks to the ladies in the food department, Kathleen Munn, Ruby Ballard, Mary Geotz and Christine Owen.

Special thanks to our house band, Bill Burks, Theola Grayson, Pete Ethridge, Jim Park, Jimmy Roundtree, Vernon Langston and James Ward. Thanks to Billy Boykin, the Rev. Jack Bonner, Don Landrum Jr. the Rev. John and Harold Sweeney and Brenda. Thanks to our chaplains Tinker Frazier, Greg Manugm and above all thanks to the many fans that came, signed in and enjoyed the shows. We couldn't do it without you.

Thanks to all the ladies that brought in food every night.

It was a big team effort and TISBA team is building steam.

Thanks to everyone. Thanks to Glyn and Leola Jones and thanks to Maples Gas for donating ice. Thanks to our sound men and Dietmar Goetz and Billy Tisdale.



Leola Jones

Meridian



The daily newspaper and a cup of coffee





Imagine, pulling up to a box to place a paper in it ... something hurling out into your car. Heart racing away you see it is a bird that has flown in your open window. Now trapped the bird is flying into everything trying to find its way back out! You have to pull forward to open doors and let it out, before it hurts itself or you.

Turning on to a dead end road in the country to deliver a paper, turning to go out you are met by three police cars, because someone has called to report strange cars coming down their road in the middle of the night (delivering their paper).

Falling asleep, running off the road at 4 a.m. Not a soul coming out to see if you are even alive. Flat tires from nails and screws night after night. Being met by dogs, cats, ducks, geese or Emu and friendly people just wanting to say hello. Returning home passed patrons sitting on the porch drinking coffee and reading their newspapers.

Everyday people that go out of their way to see that we get our papers seven days a week every week. They are special group giving so much of themselves for others. Driving through the rain, wind with limbs and trees or water on the road. Or moonlight nights with herds of deer crossing in front of them.

In our fast paced life TV, radio, internet and all else, to start the day or end it relaxed reading the paper is so nice. There is nothing like down home local news.

Thank you for loyal commitment and a job well done!





Dee Bethany

Collinsville

        

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