City Personals

This year, we took a family vacation to Miramar Beach at the beginning of summer instead of the end. Four generations under one roof for a solid week was a lot of fun!

Kim “Sissy” Thomas Hauth and her husband, Steve, from Pensacola drove over Sunday morning to spend the day with us. Sissy and I grew up together, as her momma, Constance Ann Lanier, was my momma’s best friend as children and, subsequently, as adults. We had the best time catching up and reminiscing about days gone by. One of the many blessings being from Holly Springs is once you are friends with someone, it carries through generations as well as decades. Friends like Sissy become sisters, totally prayed over daily and unforgettable.

Unsure of how Delilah, now two, would take to the beach and ocean, we took an abundance of things down to the shore with us. We had everything from a blowup pool to shower curtain to pails, shovels and molds. Every snack under the moon that would not rot in the sun was in this bag or that.

Needless to say, she was not to sure about the water, but was completely content with the sand! She shoveled and shoveled, building it up around her little feet. When she did get in the water, she clung to whomever was holding her like a little spider monkey, feet locked and arms wrapped tightly. By the end of the week, this little girl was wide open enjoying every aspect of the beach. When she would see any of us going into the water, she would take out to join us. Late Friday afternoon, she went to have her picture taken by the water’s edge. Needless to say, she took out into it, dress and all. Fearless and loving every second of it!

To be able to see the awe and enjoyment of a place we all love through the eyes of Delilah was the best thing ever. Her wonder never ceases to amaze me.

Those of us who went were Grady Brooks, Kay and Laura Wheeler, Hank Wheeler of Newnan, Ga. and Caitlyn, Trace and Delilah Bray. A house full of fun, laughter and love. Nothing better in this world.

Collier Carlton flew up to Colorado last week. He stayed with his son and his son’s wife, Will and Kate Carlton. He went specifically to attend the graduation of his grandson, Bridger, from Steamboat Springs High School. Throughout his high school career, Bridger has been the lead of many theater productions. He has grown into a fine young man and I have no doubt his future is as bright as the stars.