The new office of Chris Wilson, Realtor is in downtown Laurel. What began in downtown, now has returned. Opening a small commercial real estate business in Laurel, Mississippi long ago involved some social networking, even back in 1974. (There’s hardly anything really new under the sun.) One way was starting a Civic Club not represented in town, and I chose Sertoma. It is a great Civic Club whose motto is “Service to Mankind”. The Laurel Speech Language and Hearing Center has been supported by volunteers from Sertoma for many years. Much needed funding comes from their efforts in support of the Center, which is directed by Anita Thames. She is very qualified and genuinely cares about helping her students.
Today’s fun began during a walk downtown from my new office, down Camper’s Alley & up the hill to the Tax Office. There was Anita coming out her door holding the shoulder of a young man accompanied by surely his mother. We waved just like downtown friends are supposed to do, social networking at its very best.
Walking on over the grave of the old Pinehurst Hotel, across the street to the Court House, I saw my friend Pat Clark at the Pumpkin Patch at our First Methodist Church. Here was another chance for smiling and waving the South Mississippi way. The Patch was full last week.
My work done, I started back to the office. Good luck prevailed. There was Pat in the Patch with Anita, her young student and his Mom. As I walked over, the little fellow held aloft for me his new Pumpkin. He came up to me with the face of the pumpkin toward me, two smiling faces to see. When I held out my hand to greet him, out his came, confident that I was his friend. Yes Sir, I like that. I like good manners. It means parents are working hard helping their children get ready. Anita told me that he is a good student. His mother, her eyes shining, is proud of her son. His name is Zion, what a strong name. It was easy to see the pride and love in her smiling face. Take a look for yourself.
So here we are all standing in the Pumpkin Patch on a wonderful Fall day with the weather just perfect. Maybe the best part of any day is the moment when one makes a new friend. Today, mine is Zion.
To see a young child being led by his Mother and his teacher on a walk downtown to make new friends was a blessing. Maybe it was a walk he will always remember as the day he made friends in a Pumpkin Patch. Today the Internet introduces Zion to this whole world. May he meet many millions just as we met today- a smile, shining eyes, and warm hand shake. I wish such a day for you all.
Laurel, Mississippi is full of this. Come join us.
