Nobody Does It Better @Crossgates SunglaSS HeadquarterS Many great styles to suit your taste or any mood. <strong>Brandon</strong>: (601) 825-8300 Canton: (601) 859-3464 Madison: (601) 605-2259 Ridgeland: (601) 957-9292 Yazoo City: (662) 746-4312 12 • <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2015</strong>
BRANDON Growing Up in the Best Small Town in America Amber Kennedy Thompson “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse from Proverbs always reminds me of home. Everything about me, from my faith in the Lord to knowing how to care for other people, comes from my childhood and upbringing in <strong>Brandon</strong>. My earliest memories are of church and growing up on Rollingwood Drive, both sacred places to me. We lived next door to John & Dale Barr, who were like second parents to me, but our entire street was like one big family. I could often be found at the Barr’s, even at a young age. “Miss Am, does your mom know where you are?” Mrs. Dale would ask. “Yes, ma’am!” I would proudly exclaim. As if on cue, the Barr’s phone would ring ten minutes later (the rotary phone with the long cord, no less) “Is she over there?” “Yep, we’ve got her.” I also spent plenty of time at the Gasaway’s as well. Mrs. Faith would babysit me, though I think it became a joint effort of both her and Mr. Bobby. Her “Little People” collection was the best, and I spent countless hours playing in front of their fireplace in the winter and under their carport in the summer. The smell of the hydrangeas growing at the entrance to my neighborhood here in Waco always reminds me of the ones she had growing along the side of her house. These two ladies taught me so much about friendship, caring, giving of yourself, being joyful, and how to be a lady. Riding my bike, building forts, and jumping on a trampoline were wonderful ways to pass the time in the summer on Rollingwood. These activities were done until the sun went down–then you could always find the adults gathered on someone’s driveway in lawn chairs talking about the latest <strong>Brandon</strong> news until they couldn’t handle the mosquitoes any longer. I learned the true meaning of friendship here, and more importantly, I learned by example what it means to show true compassion for others. We really were like a family, and whenever someone lost a loved one, was forced to deal with an illness, or was just going through a hard time, everyone on the street rallied around them with love and support. I continually strive to show this by example not only to my daughters, but the students I now teach and work with at Baylor as well. Growing up in church at FBC <strong>Brandon</strong> also gave me the foundation for the things that are most important to me – faith, family, and friendships. It was here where I developed a deep understanding of unconditional Christian love and support, and I hope that I am an example of those things to people in my own church today. Beyond my family, my church family gave me an overwhelming sense of love and security, and my church home was such a place of joy for me during my childhood. Remembering Mr. Farley Earnest’s laugh or thinking of the countless miles Mr. Roy Lively drove us on the church bus (and always with a smile) makes my heart sing, even today. And watching the talented ladies in church assist with weddings, receptions, and banquets gave me such an appreciation for hospitality and attention to the little details. Mrs. Carol Swilley and Mrs. Lois Hardy are absolutely amazing with tulle and a little greenery. More importantly, they are two of the kindest and most talented women I know, and I appreciate all that they taught me about being a southern lady. I feel extremely blessed to have grown up in <strong>Brandon</strong>. Even now, after living in Texas for 21 years, when I talk about “home” my friends in Waco know exactly to where I am referring. “Home” will always be <strong>Brandon</strong>. ■ <strong>Hometown</strong> <strong>Brandon</strong> • 13
Change language