Thanks for the memories

Well, it's that time of year again. This year is coming to a close and a new one is on the horizon. I've seen happiness, I've seen sadness, I've seen people leave this earth that I cared deeply about, and their departure has left a big hole in my heart. I've seen people spared because apparently God was not ready for them. I know this is true for each of you also.

It has been a tough economic year for many, but I know a lot of tough people who have pulled through these tough times. It has not been a good year for lots of industries. Yet, in the face of all the uncertainty, a lot of brave-hearted entrepreneurs have trudged through these tough times to start small businesses all over the country.

These small businesses have helped to give people jobs that provide them with at least some income.

These are complicated times we are living in, but we need to strive to keep ourselves untangled through it all. I know first hand this is not always easy to do. But when we all pull together and stick together, things just somehow seem a little easier. I recently read this quote, "Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together." Spending so much time at the beach in years gone by, I also think of the sand on the beach. I have walked those beaches hundreds of times and each time was always in awe at the tininess of each piece of sand. Yet, look at the beauty they form by sticking together.

In thinking and talking about the tough and complicated times, there are also good things that people do that are so simple and yet give such meaning and a lift to the lives of others.

One of those events take place right here in our very own little home town. It is short and simple and yet to me so very uplifting. I attended this event with my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I came away with a new spirit and so thankful we all attended.

To me, I was standing on hallowed ground because the empty lot means so much to me. Many years ago it housed a little grocery store that holds so many memories especially during the Christmas holidays. Each year Mom and Dad bought our Christmas goodies from Mr. and Mrs. Hall. There were apples, oranges, the curly hard Christmas candy, chocolate drops, one of Dad's favorites, and the largest coconut bon bons. To this day I have never seen bon bons so large and moist as the ones from that little store.

And oh, the fresh coconuts. Each year Dad bought only one. He would open the three holes that coconuts are known for and give each of us kids a sip of that wonderful milk. He drank whatever was left then broke it so we could eat the fresh coconut. Oh what precious memories and again, a wonderful family who were so good to a poor but honest and hardworking father and mother and their children.

When I close my eyes, I can still see Mr. and Mrs. Hall behind the counter. I can also see the wood floors and smell the aroma of all those wonderful goodies come floating across my senses.

The lot I am speaking of is across the street from Rainey-Mathis funeral home, the last place we get to see so many of our loved ones. But, Greg and Lisa Mathis along with their family, have given new life to that old lot. For the past several years, they have presented the Christmas story from the Book of Luke. The Christmas story lets us know that there is hope, and that good things really do happen if only we believe.

Yes, Greg, Lisa and their family, along with Mr. and Mrs. Hall of Hall's Grocery, are my heroes and heroines this column. Greg, thank you for sharing this simple yet powerful event with us. And, thank you, Jim Hall, for being willing to read this wonderful story of new life and to remind us once again, "the reason for the season."

See ya next time in the Korner.

Remember, you never know how you may have touched my life and some day may show up as my hero or heroine. Merry Christmas and Gods blessing for the new year.

kdover28@gmail.com - 573-820-2404 - www.dailystatesman.com