August 2022

School is back in session once more and it made me think back across the years to when the granddaughters were young. It was a summer of great fun and adventures, and long bike riding days. In fact, just two days ago Brie and I went exploring with flashlights into the very back end of a large dark metal storage trailer. Then too, school had started back, vacation was over and there would be no more bike rides. Now there would be homework, school functions, and friends to keep them busy. Alas, the bikes were stored away and out of the weather. Through the many years and layers of dust, they appeared still almost new. And still waiting on us believe me, when I tell you this, we three are far more changed than they! They could be like having money in the bank, with these gas prices, we all may have to ride bikes soon.

Downtown Pocahontas is a 17 block National Historic District–the state’s largest such. Last time I pondered how much it’s changed since I was a boy. I thought of how the businesses had changed and the characters who once were found there. I left off last time at the corner of Everett and Bettis streets.

I am taking a different approach this week. Perhaps something a little more personal is in order. All my life, I heard that my sister had gone to Girls State. As a child, that did not mean much to me except that it was something good and a high achievement. As I got older, I learned that Girls State was an event held in the summers for girls, and Boys State for boys, that taught those selected to go about civics and the political process in our state. At the time, I really didn’t understand the selection process, but I did know that it was something you wanted on your resume. By the time I reached high school, students were skeptical about wanting to attend. It did not matter that it was a high accolade and desirable on a resume. However, in my junior year in high school, I was chosen to be a delegate to Girls State. I suspect some were jealous they were not chosen, but it was not the popular thing to do. While to my friends, I was lackadaisical about attending, I was secretly happy to be chosen. I was excited to learn more about how things worked in our state political system. Looking back, it was critical in the creation of who I am today.

with John Allen French, Star Herald Editor Well, Presley and I decided to allow Pamela (my mother) to join in our weekend adventure. So, needless to say, I had my hands full with two children.