Smoke Signals and other news
High school seniors prepare for graduation and make difficult decisions about their future in the weeks ahead. What college or trade school will they attend? Do they want to travel the world or go straight into the workforce? So many decisions will determine how the following years may be for them--wishing all the seniors all the success in their endeavors.
Our hearts go out to the family of J.C. Burrow, who drowned Friday in the Tennessee River after he dove into the water to save a friend who was struggling. He was unsuccessful and lost his own life in the process. Two young men are gone from this earth at such young ages. Pray for their families as they come to terms with these losses. Know that every day on this earth could be your last, and prepare for eternity.
Did you know that Cicadas do not sting or bite as they do not have the necessary mouthparts? They do not spread disease, and they are not toxic. They are good for plants as they are loaded with nitrogen, which feeds into the soil when they pass away. They aerate your lawn to improve water filtration. I haven’t seen any yet, but I’m sure they are coming, and when they do, be aware that they are a favorite snack of copperhead snakes who will hang out where Cicadas gather.
As in baseball, softball, and other sports, life has rules. We don’t necessarily like the rules or law. We can obey them, ignore them, or say we don’t know them, but whatever decision anyone makes, there will be consequences if they are broken. Run a red light, speed, or drink and drive; if you break the law, you may get a ticket, fined, or jail time; someone could get hurt or killed; whatever choices anyone makes, they will have to live with the rest of their life.
We have been fortunate that no baseball, softball, or Tball games have been rained out. While all fields have had rain, the dedicated work of those responsible for the fields has enabled us to play. One night at Byhalia, we played in the rain. There was no lightning, and the rain had not made the field unsafe. The kids, coaches, and umpires played on while most parents took cover.
My physical therapy continues at least through this week. Another evaluation takes place on Thursday. While improvement is steady, the knee refuses to bend as far as it should, no matter how hard I or the therapist work. There is still pain, worse at times, but it is almost always present to some degree. I don’t use a cane in the house. I only use the cane when needed.
The Wagg family, gathered on Friday night with more than 30 members and friends listening and crying together to the first four episodes of the podcast from Counterclockinvestigating the death of Doug Wagg, Jr. I will be listening to the remaining podcasts in the next few days and hope to write an article about the investigation soon.
Feel free to contact me with your news at 901-246-8843, at jchwagg@gmail.com, or Clair Wagg on messenger.