Bank of Holly Springs

Fielder's Choice

Sort of bored but blessed

I miss a lot of things due to COVID-19.

I love Pam and Erin immensely. And we're spending a lot of quality time together.

Last week we played Scrabble, one of my favorite board games of all time.

But I'm ready to see the rest of my family ­ Emma and Andy and Brooke.

A few weeks ago we used Zoom to look at each other and talk. We were on the computer for probably an hour and a half. It was great.

But I'm ready to drive to Little Rock, Ark., or to Tupelo for a visit. I'm ready to hug them and tell them, in person, again, how much I love them.

I talk to my sisters a lot in Alabama, via voice or text. But I'm ready to make that drive, too.

I miss church.

And I'm not talking about the building. I miss the people. They're family.

Yes, we're live streaming ­ Holly Springs Church of Christ. And thank goodness, we're able to do that. The songs and the messages each Wednesday night and Sunday morning have been inspirational and much needed for yours truly.

But I miss the fellowship. I miss the hugs. I miss my brothers and sisters in Christ.

I miss a busy newspaper office, with lots of folks coming in and lots of folks calling.

A couple of weeks ago a nice lady called who didn't receive her paper in the mail. She asked, "Are y'all still sending out papers?"

Yes. We're still here. We're open. We're working.

We're not sure why she did not get hers, but I personally delivered a newspaper to her house myself.

Last week someone stopped by the office to purchase a paper and said something about the edition being smaller.

Yes. There are a few fewer pages these days.

The economic woes caused by the Coronavirus is hitting your community newspaper, too. We're adapting as best we can. We're committed to you ­ our readers and advertisers.

The South Reporter has been here since 1865. That's 155 years. We're not planning on leaving anytime soon.

But we certainly do ask that you support us and all local, small-town businesses as much as you can in these uncertain times. Small businesses are the backbone of any community, particularly a small one like this one. They're owned and operated by your friends, neighbors, fellow church members.

I miss baseball ­ from youth baseball to high school to college to professional.

When this pandemic hit, registration was wrapping up for the Marshall County youth league. High school teams were about to enter district play. College teams were nearing conference competition. And spring training for the pro teams was in gear.

But just like that, it stopped ­ like about everything else.

Not being able to drive to a local ball field and take pictures and cover a team ­ that's tough.

Not being able to go home after work and turn on the Atlanta Braves ­ that's tough.

I saw where Major League Baseball is considering utilizing several fields in Arizona and starting games without any fans in attendance.

I'm for it. For this diehard baseball fan, it would be uplifting and encouraging. It would give me more hope that life can return to normal soon.

I miss these things and more. It's disheartening. But I also know ­ I'm very blessed.

Holly Springs South Reporter

P.O. Box 278
Holly Springs, MS 38635
PH: (662) 252-4261
FAX: (662) 252-3388
www.southreporter.com