24 • <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2015</strong>
H o m e t o w n L o v e brandon Terri McCarver A crazy move, many thought. Almost thirty years ago as newlyweds, Tommy and I began to look for a place to call home. Although Tommy was working in Clinton and I was working in Jackson, we decided to move to <strong>Brandon</strong>. The decision made no sense to many, but we were sold on the community and the school system. The only people at the time that we knew were my uncle and aunt, George and Frances Cumberland. Soon after arriving to <strong>Brandon</strong>, we began visiting churches and ended up at First Baptist. We had a wonderful Sunday school class that provided a community of young couples in a similar season of life. It was because of those deeply rooted friendships that we grew stronger as couples and then, later, as parents. Tommy and I maintain our friendships with several of those same couples today and still enjoy a great relationship with, John and Bobby Ashley, our teachers during those early years. When I think of <strong>Brandon</strong> and why I love it, what’s most apparent to me is its’ people. Tommy and I have friends ranging from those in their twenties to late eighties. Since our 3 girls are so spread out in age, we have been able to develop many relationships with their friends, as well as their parents. Although it’s not unusual to become close with the people in your same circle, we’ve always felt that <strong>Brandon</strong> has provided a unique environment to maintain those friendships. <strong>Brandon</strong> is also a town made up of people that support one another. Growing up, our girls knew they were loved by many, and enjoyed the encouragement that the <strong>Brandon</strong> community provided. Our family has spent countless hours on the ball field and tennis courts, and we’ve always loved how athletics provided so many with the opportunity to uplift one another. Bailey, our 17 year-old junior in high school explained in her own words, “<strong>Brandon</strong> has never failed to encourage and support its students in every task at hand. Whether it be a sporting event or a church function, there has yet to be a time where my community wasn’t sitting in the stands or standing behind me and I’m forever grateful for that.” It is evident that our BHS athletes aren’t just playing for the school, but instead the entire community. Our middle daughter Allison was able to recognize what her hometown meant to her during and after high school and used the inspiration to steer her career choice. Since graduating from Mississippi State in 2013, she’s come home, teaches language arts at <strong>Brandon</strong> Middle School, and coaches for the Lady Dogs soccer team. The support that our community offers, however, extends beyond its athletes and actually reaches those in need. Whether it’s a crisis or a celebration, we love how the people of <strong>Brandon</strong> provide support and encouragement. Kayla, our oldest daughter and wife to Stephen Bryant, said, “I love that, in every season of my life, <strong>Brandon</strong> is a place that has offered support and a sense of community. I look forward to raising my children in such a wonderful place.” Kayla and Stephen are expecting their first child, and our first grandchild, in just a few short weeks. Already, we have seen our friends and neighbors loving them so well, reminding us of our experience that helped change a new city into a lifelong home. Although on several occasions throughout the years the opportunity to move has come along, the thought of actually going has never crossed our minds. The cost of leaving the friendships that we’ve developed will always be too high; and finally, after thirty years of living in <strong>Brandon</strong>, we can tell you that no decision has ever made more sense. ■ <strong>Hometown</strong> <strong>Brandon</strong> • 25