Graduations Everywhere

By Christa Hedrick

Hello, hello, hello everyone! What beautiful weather we had last week. I was out and about quite a bit and really enjoyed the springtime panorama. There is so much green and so much color everywhere I look. And the temperatures were mild. Love it! However it is cool and rainy today. Oh well. I love the rainy days too.

Welcome, home, Ms. Pauline Crockett! We missed you!

Carol Stone, Nancy Kemp, Paula Benton, Lane Wozniak, Jessie Malin, Reno Smith and I bunched up and went off to Paragould for the Art Stroll. It was a beautiful evening and we really loved the artwork and all the other stuff we could see in the shops. Gail Ford, Sharon Gamblin, April Lindsey and Barbie Terry, were among the Rector folks who had exhibits there. I have got to find out how Sharon does her canvasses. They are beautiful.

We also bumped into Barbara and Sherlin Hamilton, Debbie Robinson and Trudie Speer while we were strolling around. Were you there? Good music, good snacks, and good beverages added to the festive air. We really had a good time. Let's see if we can do something similar here in down town Rector. And if anyone tells you I ran a red light, pay no attention to them. If it had been there I am sure I would have seen it.

I missed the May Fest on Saturday, because I went to see Mary (Stone) Small graduate from Arkansas State University. I went with her mother, Carol and it was really exciting. Mary now has a Bachelors degree in Social Work. This is one of those often thankless careers that are so important to so many. Mary, congratulations and I know you will make a difference.

Carol and I met with Mary and her family for lunch afterward. Mary's husband, Lendell and his mother, Betty Small were there as well as two of Mary's and Lendell's sons, Luke and Michael and Michael's girlfriend Lynnea Causbie. We spent a whole bunch of time there laughing and talking and eating and admiring that diploma. Fun, fun, fun.

At the graduation we happened to be seated by Sandra Spence and her mother Carolyn Mason. They are from Marmaduke, and you know Sandra. She works at Rector Down Town Drug. They were there to see Sandra's daughter, Susan Spence graduate. Sandra graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Nurses are so important to us these days. I believe they are truly the backbone of the medical profession.

Natalie Sigsby, of Rector also graduated from ASU this weekend. Her degree is in Engineering! I know there are wonderful things ahead for Natalie. Go forth, Natalie and put your mark on our world.

Meagan Louder had her tonsils removed Saturday. I know. Most of you had yours out when you were in elementary school. And no, it was not scheduled. You know Meagan doesn't do anything without flair. First a really sore throat that turned out to be an abscess, then away with the tonsils. She is home now, at least home at her parent's house and I hear she is recovering nicely. She is, after all, an experienced recover-er.

Rector High School Graduation is Friday. Congratulations to all you seniors! Welcome to the rest of your lives. Take a deep breath and then go on and do what you can to make this a better world. This generation just might have made all the mistakes so you can just learn from them and take us to the top.

I guess it's time to get this column turned in, so I will stop for now. Let me know what you are doing these days. I appreciate all your letters, phone calls and emails. I always love to hear from you. And I love to share your stories, so stay in touch. My address is 514 West 3rd St. Phone: (870) 595-3173 and email: porchswing@newwavecomm.net.

Keep our soldiers in your prayers.