Columns

Living with a chronic condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or asthma can be challenging—especially in rural areas. But with the right tools and support, you can take control of your health.

Twice in recent history, men I know, or tangentially know, used a weapon to vent frustration. Either by flashing it and threatening or by putting bullets in a place that made a statement (not a body, thank God). I asked my brother, “What’s going on?” “Farming, man,” he said.

When I first heard that Richland Parish was getting a new multi-billion dollar Meta center, I was a little green with envy. I mean, I look around us and I wonder why other small parishes can snag businesses and we cannot. Don’tgetmewrong.Iam most grateful for the Lake Providence Port and the businesses that it enhances, but good grief, we can’t even entice a Dollar General to the big city of Transylvania while West Carroll Parish just got their fifth Dollar General. You think that’s not a big deal, but for those that live in the Alsatia/Transylvania area, we have to drive 14 miles to Lake Providence or 16 miles to Tallulah for bare essentials.

I love being at home. I love sitting in my recliner turning on the television to some mindless food show and working a crossword puzzle or playing solitaire on my tablet. I turn on the food shows because my hands have to be busy doing something, and I can multitask while I am listening to the food shows. Plus, I really enjoy them: Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, etc.

What is it to sacrifice? Last week I had the opportunity to observe and interact with a handful of young children. It was pretty typical of what I’ve seen all my life.

I know some of y’all will find this column radical while others will be totally copacetic with it. I mean, I am not trying to psych anybody, you dig it.

In healthcare, we’re always working to help people be healthy—but a lot of the time, we’re just trying to get them well. It sounds similar, but there’s a big difference.

Happy end of summer to all of you! We are gearing up for another Christmas Elderly project . I know it might seem early, but it is never too early to begin working on a large project like this one. The grant application has to be in by the end of August, in order for the grant items that we request be delivered in a timely manner. I have been working on that application – a wonderful excuse to stay inside where it is cool!!

I’m reading a book right now, Composing a Life, recommended to me long ago by Marc Boswell, who lived here for a number of years as director of the nonprofit Together for Hope. (We miss you, Marc!) It’s written by Mary Catherine Bateson, the daughter of anthropologist Margaret Mead, and delves into the lives of four women to show the creative potential of how we might choose to live and respond to our lives.

(This is the third column in a series depicting women who I think the world of.) Maybe I saved her for last because she is the hardest and the easiest. Edna Bishop Brock.