I just walked into the house from attending the Tishomingo 2022 Christmas parade. It was a great parade for a small town and brought back so many memories from when I was teaching at Tishomingo High School. I helped build floats for Beta Club, 4-H Club, the elected class officers, beauty queens, and of course band and sports.
Our son, Kim, an eighth grader was a charter member of the THS Band and then a charter member of Northeast. He received a scholarship to University of Memphis State playing trombone. So of course, I love bands and parades.
Later along came Angie who joined the band at THS and was an active member in music and cheerleading. Now, I have a grandson and his wife both band directors at different schools in south Mississippi. They are graduates of Ole Miss and are both working on their doctorates. I used to carry Angie to music lessons from Mrs. Lambert at Belmont until she could drive herself. I sat in the car and graded papers. I wanted them to learn music and today I get an inkling to get in a class of Kirby McRae’s and learn how to play the guitar. Wishful thinking. Maybe.
Tonight, I stood outside my car, along with others, and I watched a great parade. I believe someone said over 100 units all decorated with sirens, whistles, yells, and I stood, waved and clapped. My heart was full of what “has been.” Here were the children of my students, grand and great-grands performing to entertain us and help us get into the Christmas spirit.
Surprise! I wasn’t watching my son. He stepped out in front of me and you’ll never guess who came and gave me a hug? The Grinch! Our pictures were made and away he went. Children don’t be too hard on the Grinch. He has a heart for “us oldies.” I’m sure this “98” year (as my four-year old called me “an old woman.” I was probably the oldest person at the parade. I remember as the Grand Marshal passed in review, I was so honored as Grand Marshal of 2012 Parade. I felt so special that I was chosen. Made me proud.
We were showered with candy. What they didn’t know was I couldn’t stoop over and pick it up but my good friend picked it up, handed it to me and I came home with three pieces. Two of the candy canes had possibly the most quoted New Testament scriptures John 3:16, on one side, and an invitation to come to the ‘Way of Life Kids” presentation of the real reason for Christmas Story, December 18th. This was a unique, wonderful way to advertise why we Celebrate Christmas.
Thank you, parade walkers, for sharing and inviting us to your program.
There was a feeling of unity, love, and enjoyment among the crowd that blessed my heart. I know from past experience the hard work and cooperation it took for a small town to produce a parade that goes so smoothly.
Thank you to our Mayor, Chamber of Commerce, our Board of Aldermen (women) for all your hard work. Thank you, parents, of all these children and their teachers, volunteers the TMS staff, county officials, beautiful fire trucks, firemen… it took cooperation and love for one’s community to make everything work so smoothly.
It showed love unspeakable and full of His Glory on display among His people.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers. Tell someone “I love you,” today and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by showing Love to our fellow man, and may it remain throughout the coming year. God Is So Good! He’s so good to me!