Somewhere around 32 years ago, I could never have envisioned me sitting at a computer writing the words "I miss Rison." But, something happened on New Year's day that made me realize I'd lost something that I could never get back.
Mom and I had finished watching that wretched Cotton Bowl game - or most of it anyway. We moved to her den where I turned on Mom's computer to check out Mom's latest "its just not working right" complaint. (Mom actually commands a very good understanding of her Dell and the Internet, which turns out to be quite a blessing for retired parents).
During the random conversation that we were having between mouse clicks, something came up about the neighborhood and a few of the children that lived nearby. Mom is blessed with great neighbors: Sheriff Joe Paul lives across the yard, the Methodist minister and his wife live across the street and people that Mom have known for years live within a stone's throw. But, then she mentioned Ty, a second-grader that pops in occasionally and his best buddy, a big, strapping 3rd grader whose name I've forgotten - again!
I was amused at some of the stories Mom told: Ty frequently comes knocking soon after Mom gets home from church on Sunday afternoons; Ty's buddy stops in to say "the stray dog has gotten into your garbage, Mrs. Tillman, but don't worry, I'll pick it up" etc, etc. Both of these boys sounded like a story out of a Norman Rockellian painting. I could just picture them with their little camo-caps on, roaming the neighborhood without a care in the world, picking up free cookies and cocoa from every house on the block...so I asked Mom to give them a ring. I wanted to meet them first hand.
They came over immediately. I mean, there was no "I'm watching TV" excuses or "I don't want to" kind of backtalk. Just, "Yes Ma'am" and "we'll be right over, Mrs. Tillman." And they did. And I was amazed.
I guess I was a little mystified that this day and time, kids that age actually would want to come over and say hello to a 50 year old guy that wanted to meet them. And, it wasn't obligatory...they were actually willing to drop their "fireworks shooting" to spend a few minutes with Mrs. Tillman and her son.
And, so, I'm amazed. I'd forgotten that some towns still exist today where children are polite and actually look out for older folks - and still treat them with the greatest care. I thanked the boys for looking after Mom. They acted like it was nothing. But, it was something, it was really, really something. Way to go, Rison! You're a cool town after all - and I wish I could go back an relive the times when I could ride my bike, go to baseball games, stop by and talk to the neighbors and be known around town. That doesn't happen near enough anymore!
God Bless ya'll,
Ken
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