Smoke Signals and other news
My house is quiet. I’ve been blessed for the last month to either be with Ellen’s family in Georgia or have at least some of her family here with me. The last of the family left Sunday morning. It is the longest visit I have had with ten-year-old Olivia since they moved to Georgia. She and I were together most of that time. While Mom, Dad, and Landon had other obligations, Olivia and I had our own adventures. She played softball, helped me around the house and completely took over the care of my dog, the cats, and the hummingbirds. We ate some junk food but also cooked healthy meals and had some concession stand goodies. She will eat almost anything you offer her, especially fruits and vegetables, so feeding her is easy. She had fresh cucumbers and tomatoes that people with gardens were kind enough to give her. She managed to step on an attachment for my sewing machine that had fallen to the floor and stick it deep into her foot. After talking to her pediatrician in Georgia, she was taken to Heartland Medical in Byhalia for treatment. They were super sweet with her and treated it rather aggressively as a precaution as her pediatrician suggested should be done. She seems to be healing nicely.
She was almost ready to go “home” to see her dog and her friends and play softball on her new team. I’m glad she has adjusted as she very quiet until she gets to know you, making it somewhat hard for her to make friends.
I enjoy getting handwritten letters from my readers. It is an art that has mostly gone to the wayside. I never know what to write about each week. It is good to know at least some of you enjoy my ramblings.
Our community has been shaken by the senseless murder of a lifelong resident, Stanley Mills. Everyone has spoken kind words about him, and I know they are true. I went to school with Stanley and his family. He will be missed.
We lost another long-time community member, Joe Armour. Joe and his wife did not live here, but Joe grew up in Cayce and was still known as a friend to many. He and his wife attended the Byhalia High School Reunion last fall. He does still have other family members in the area. His friendship will always be treasured.
I was asked to give an update on Bryson. One friend is in the process of rebuilding the wheelchair ramp to the house. Bryson may not be able to attend school this fall. It may be decided that he is “homebound” as providing him the care and assistance he needs at school may not be something that can be physically accomplished much longer. He is still in desperate need of a handicap accessible shower. I have reached out to organizations that help fund/provide this type of help, but have not had any response to date.
We have been able to raise a large portion of the funds for the purchase of a van, but have not located one in good condition with the funds on hand. We are in need of a handicap accessible van or one that could be easily converted. He needs this sooner rather than later as his condition is not expected to improve. There is a bank account at Bank of Holly Springs in the name “Benefit for Bryson Peyton” if anyone would like to make a donation. Please contact me if you have a lead on an handicap accessible van.
I would love to report your news. Contact me at jchwagg@gmail.com, 901 246-8843, or on Facebook – Clair Wagg.