Smoke Signals and other news

Another week of rather pleasant weather but predictions are the heat returns this week. If you are one of the many who must work in the heat, take care. Remember to hydrate as much as possible and take breaks as you can. September is almost here and will bring much needed relief. The few showers we have been blessed with have not been enough to relieve the dry crops and grass. I have not even had to cut my grass. It could be cut, but I chose to wait until it’s a bit taller.

Physical therapy is completed for me. The knee is not fully functional and may never be, but it is not as painful as it was before the surgery. Now if all the other aches and pains that go with age would fade away, I could function fairly well.

If anyone has any hymnals that you would like to part with, let me know. My very crafty daughter, Ellen, has come up with a new plan for using them.

Some of you know my granddaughter, Olivia, and how very shy she has always been. She actually has a specific diagnosis that causes her to not be able to talk to strangers. Since she understands what is going on with her brain, she has worked hard to overcome this, and focuses on talking when it is the appropriate thing to do. We were even a bit “happy” when she got a note from school for “talking too much.” Recently, she ordered her own food in a restaurant. This was a huge step for her.

She found her first love in gymnastics a few years ago (she didn’t have to talk to do that). It was very good for her as she learned so many skills and also gained a great deal of strength. She eventually tired of it, and two years ago she discovered softball. She is playing fall softball now and is beginning to excel playing second base. Her aim is accurate and the strength she gained in gymnastics has become quite an asset.

As we continue to put together our “Decades” reunion for Byhalia High School and I look over the names of those who attended our last one of these, it is painful to realize how many of those have passed away or can no longer attend a function such as this.

Fifty-five years ago, we were young and ready to take on the world, never thinking about how many friends we would lose along the way. Some passed away many years ago to disease and some to senseless tragedies. Many of us will need handicap parking this time. We will definitely need name tags.

I would love to report your news, activities, etc.

Please share your news with me either at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901 246-8843.

You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.