Smoke Signals and other news
Our town lost a great man and friend this week, Paul Summers. He supported the community not only through his business but also as a member of the Lions Club, the Byhalia United Methodist Church, where he served on the finance committee, a member of the Marshall County Cattlemen’s Association, and Marshall County Forestry Association Catch-A-Dream program. He was a huge part of the Byhalia community and worked diligently wherever he served. Paul loved his family and friends and will be missed by everyone.
Last week, there were opportunities to practice people-watching, which is always a fun adventure at the ball field. Listening to and watching the kids can be so revealing, but even more interesting was the time I spent in a courtroom (not Marshall County) with a friend who had to appear in court. No phones/smart watches were allowed, and I forgot to bring a book. Since little to no talking was allowed in the courtroom, watching the attorneys as they hurried to various spots to speak with their clients provided a means to pass the time. Obviously, some were familiar with their clients, and some were meeting them for the first time. All were greeted with professional courtesy. Looking closer, you could see the imprint of the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine straps on the cheeks of one lawyer. A CPAP machine is one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea, but he looked tired.
As I continued observing the people in the room, I noticed one young lawyer was pregnant, and she was glowing with the radiance. Other lawyers were all doing what lawyers do in a courtroom. The judge was professional, settling each case within the law’s guidelines. The bailiff was busy maintaining order in the courtroom, mostly reminding the attendees to hold the noise down and keeping the correct papers in the hands of the judge.
Those who went before the judge left smiling, or maybe not, but most seemed happy. When my friend’s lawyer told her the hearing was about something that did not
require her presence, we gladly left because we expected to be there most of the day. There will be another day in court to handle the remainder of her very complicated case; I may or may not take a book when we return—no offense to any lawyer. I noticed plenty in the room, but lawyers caught my attention first.
Mike Hamblin continues to improve. He is scheduled to be released from rehab this week and come home. He has a long way to go to recover his health. Please remember him and his family in your prayers as they navigate the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Mary Claire, my grandchild who recently graduated, has had many last and first in this past week. She traveled to the beach the day after graduation and had a great time. But she had a busy itinerary when she returned from fun in the sun. She had a dance recital practice, tumble show practice, and practice for her summer musical, Oklahoma, one of America’s greatest musicals.
I was honored to attend her last tumble show. I’ve been able to attend them for the nine years she has been in tumble. I may have missed one during the COVID-19 pandemic. My family tended to protect me during that time. She has also chosen the college she will attend, Ole Miss, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Please share your news with me at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901 246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.