Smoke Signals and other news

Eleven days post-op from a total knee replacement, and I’m still trying to find the place where I can say, “I’m glad I had it done!” I’m sure it will be out there in the near future.

My recovery has not gone as planned and included two major setbacks, including a near-death experience from a narcotic overdose. When you are fading away and you can’t tell anyone, it is definitely scary. I was not afraid of death, but I really wasn’t ready to leave my family; when you hear the word “Narcan,” and you know it’s for you, it gets your attention.

Thanks to my daughter being in the room. She recognized what was happening and got immediate help. I am still here to work through this rehab, as painful as it might be.

I am grateful for every phone call, text, message, visit, card, and prayer. I am thankful for those who fed me when I could not feed myself, those who pushed me when I had nothing left, and those who held my hand, prayed with me, cried with me, and laughed with me when I shared my hallucinations.

I am grateful for those who sat with me for hours when they had other things they needed to be doing and for those who took care of my animals, loving them as their own. I am also grateful for those who wanted to visit but understood when they had to be asked not to come at this time. My body needed and still needs rest beyond belief.

I do not know much about what has been happening in the community. I have seen that we have had tragic news in the loss of yet another young person in the community. It is not a call any parent ever wants to receive. I’m sure in the days/hours leading up to this tragedy, a parent spoke the words we all have. “Be careful”-and meant it completely. My heart goes out to the family and friends.

Ball programs for the county are in full swing: Potts Camp and Byhalia are winding down final registrations. Fields are being prepared, and kids are practicing, proudly showing off their new gloves, cleats, bats, and helmets. Some teams still need coaches. If you are talented in that area, reach out and volunteer. All teams are accepting sponsorships and donations.

Byhalia’s Mayoral election is coming up on March 19. If you are a registered voter within the city limits of Byhalia, take advantage of this opportunity to make a selection in this election. You have two candidates – Daylon Cannon and Donald Hollingsworth. Hopefully, you could attend the “Meet the Candidates” event. If you have questions or concerns, I’m sure either candidate would be delighted to answer them.

One of our own, Mike Hamblin, Mayor Pro Tempore, needs all the prayers you can lift up for him. He is very ill and has been transferred to Vanderbilt.

I completed four interviews for this year’s “Profile Edition” of The South Reporter. Each was a treasure in its own way. I have learned through these interviews that every person has a story, and most people are delighted that someone chose to tell that story. The interviews, photos, and write-ups do take time. There are those you make an appointment with, and then they don’t show up or answer texts or phone calls. Don’t be that person. If you agree to an interview, be there or simply let your interviewer know you have changed your mind. I have had some people change their minds even after an article has been written, and that is okay. You have that right, but communicate. Read the articles in the Profile Edition and reach out to those interviewed.

Please share your news with me at 901 246-8843, email jchwagg@gmail.com, or message me at Clair Wagg on Facebook.