Columns

Judge Ragland five feet tall and imposing (This is the second column in a series depicting women who I think the world of.) Most of you don’t know the second strong Southern woman who has influenced my life, but believe me, she was a very unforgettable personality if you knew her. Alwine Mulhearn Smith Ragland was born in 1913 to an affluent family that owned the Mulhearn Funeral Homes in Monroe.

When I think back on this summer, I’ll think of this that myfriendwrotemelastweek: “I realized just recently that being in situations where you are beyond grateful and very happy does not necessarily equal enjoyment. Maybe that is one of the many things that come with aging.” This has been an interesting summer.

I’ve dedicated my career to helping patients manage chronic and often debilitating pain and over the years, it has been frustrating to see unnecessary barriers for access to treatments that have proven effective. For example, I’ve witnessed how cannabis-based treatments offer relief where other options have failed- especially for patients with complex conditions and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or chronic pain.

I have been blessed in my life to work with or for three very special ladies. These three ladies have shaped my life in different ways.

Have you noticed the uproar over in our neighboring parish? It seems that they just received notice from the school board in West Carroll that grades six through eight have to wear uniforms. My first thought was why just those grades? I mean, that’s kind of random.

Walking is something I know I can do, so I started with that. I was scrolling on social media, avoiding my impending responsibilities, when I came up on a video of a young man asking for assistance.

Rural folks are some of the most resourceful people around. We fix fences with bailing wire, we make dinner with whatever’s in the pantry, and we know the value of making do. But when it comes to our health, even the most independent of us need to be a little careful about playing with things we learn on social media sites. And listen, ya’ll know me... I’m not judging here. Just sharing a little love.

Are you rich? A lot of people reading this question would laugh out loud at what they consider is the absurdity of this question. If you google the definition of wealth, it usually relates strictly to money or more particularly “the total net value of resources.” I also was able to find 32 songs – famous songs – about money.

DEAR EDITORS: Every community has a past, present, and future. What we do today will affect tomorrow.

I just finished a book that took me months to finish. That was unheard of before children, but now, sometimes, it happens.