It’s been a tough little week-end here in our hometown. There were a lot of high points. The Junior/Senior Prom was Saturday which was a lot of fun. The kids all looked great and I think they really had a wonderful time. Our church service Sunday morning was inspirational and our preacher was on fire (like he’s been for several months now!), they held prayer for me, for my little friend – Lauren, and for another dear mother in our midst who is suffering, Judy L. My grandson Aiden had his first piano recital on Sunday afternoon and he did a great job. Even had some chords going on in the right hand – pretty good since this is his first year to take piano!
However, things kind of went downhill after that. Lauren, her mom and grandmother had left for Seattle where Lauren will be in the hospital all week, and we had a devastating wreck just outside of town that afternoon that left two well-loved brothers in critical conditions with burns and multiple fractures and assorted injuries.
I have known for a long, long time that one of the best places to be in times of trouble is in a small town. The old saying “A Small Town is Like a Large Family” is very true at times like this. My family has been so blessed by hundreds of wonderful people in this community since I was diagnosed with cancer. I have a wall full of cards and letters posted at my office that have been sent to me and I stand in wonder at all the kindnesses whenever I look at them. We have been treated to wonderful meals, many, many phone calls, flowers, and so many people stopping by the office or our home to check on me. I am humbled every time I think about it. They have been a fantastic support system.
With the tragic wreck that occured this Sunday I have learned of so many wonderful people who are praying for and helping out the Thompson family. Friends and co-workers of the two young men have made the almost 3 hour drive to Lubbock to be with them. People are sending gift cards to the family who are having to stay in Lubbock – to help with expenses, etc. Already farmers and ranchers are helping out at the Thompson’s farms and ranches so that things will not go undone or neglected. The wife of the oldest brother who was not in the crash has been taking care of the brothers six little girls – she has four children of her own – but she hasn’t batted an eye at the extra work. Already people are making plans to help her out with meals, etc, for the kids.
Lauren and her family were blessed with anonymous gifts from our church members to help them absorb some of the expenses of a hospital visit many states away from home and prayers are going up continually. The father and sister who have stayed home this week are being treated to meals courtesy of town folks.
Our students were treated to an Awards Banquet last night featuring the best of the best in UIL, Athletics, and Class Awards. The students even presented a tribute to one of their well loved coaches and the yearbook dedication was made. It was emotional for many.
You see folks, there may be conveniences and more modern ways to live in the city but there’s a lot of things you might not find among the strands of concrete and asphalt. But you’ll find it here – it’s called compassion, caring, love. And that’s what makes living in a small town well worth it.
(P.S. If you want to stay abreast of the condition of Trey and Tyler Thompson go to prayfortreyandtyler.blogspot.com)
