Well, we can’t say the weatherman didn’t get it right…the prediction of a dangerous and impactful ice storm moving across the Delta and northeast Mississippi into Tennessee…they nailed it.
I was living outside of Nashville in 1994 in a wonderful old farmhouse in the country that had a couple of space heaters and two wood stoves for heat. When the ice storm of 1994 hit, I remember how the sound of trees breaking would echo across the fields…a frightening sound. It was very dark (kerosene lanterns and candles provided a bit of light) and very cold (LOTS and LOTS of quilts and blankets for warmth). Thankfully, I had a Coleman camp stove with a couple of canisters of fuel for cooking which got me through three weeks without power or heat. Wish I had some pictures of that storm, but 1994 was before iPhones.
I was much younger in 1994 and a bit more ‘adventurous’ in spirit to face such a storm with a pioneering attitude…it’s a little different 32 years later with the ice storm of 2026. Thankfully, I was out of power for only two days and was grateful for gas logs and a gas stove as a source of heat. I actually enjoyed the quiet and inner stillness for several days while iced in…and even though I had a way to keep devices charged, I chose not to stay glued to them which felt very much like a ‘digital cleansing,’ if you will. But I might go generator shopping…
When I did re-engage with outside information, it was beautiful and very heartening to read of so many acts of kindness between both friends and strangers in helping each other through the aftermath of the storm. Linemen leaving behind their own families to do their dangerous but essential work, food pantries being overstocked to offer supplies to those who had little, a hot meal and a warm palette on a stranger’s floor offered to families with no heat or food. This is the stuff of community.
Speaking of community….
I have written before about how fortunate I am to live in the community of Cleveland, Mississippi. The Delta, as a region, certainly has its challenges, and it may not be for everyone, but I don’t know of a more unique place on earth, and I believe this community’s most valuable asset is her people…resilient, kind, charitable, generous, and gracious. That makes for a great community. I was very honored recently to be awarded the S.E. Kossman, Sr. Chamber Award for Outstanding Community Service, given by the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce. I hope I am able to continue to offer my gifts and talents in service to Cleveland as did the shoulders of the giants on which I stand. Much credit to my mother and the example she set as she worked until the day before she died to try and better her own community.
Continuing on the theme of community…
Nashville and the music community lost a giant last week with the passing of Jerry Kennedy. You may not recognize his name, but you will likely recognize the sound of the many records he played on (guitar) or produced. He was one of the major architects of the “Nashville Sound,” and I am grateful that he signed me to write for his publishing company back in the day. Under his tutelage, I was connected with Kostas, with whom I wrote “Looking in the Eyes of Love,” recorded by both Patty Loveless and Alison Krauss. During my time with Jerry’s company, he hired a young demo singer named Garth Brooks to do vocals on a couple of my songs…who knew? Jerry was also the father of three outstanding sons, all of whom have made their own mark in the music business. There are many good articles out there about him worth reading…here’s one from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum along with a video interview. If you love the stories of the music ‘biz,’ you’ll enjoy this…thanks for all the music, Jerry…rest in peace.
https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/jerry-kennedy-1940-2026
Thanks for reading…enjoy Mardi Gras tomorrow, and I hope and pray that this Lenten season is deeply meaningful for you.
Be well, friends:)