CHITCHAT CORNER
I was there
LINDA K. BALLARD

Ever since last weekend, I keep humming the tune to that song, "I Was There." Last weekend I was standing at the Marine recruiting office seeing a grandson off for basics at Camp Pendleton in California. I was also "there" when we sent a brother, a Marine to Vietnam; I was "there" when we sent a stepson to the Army during peacetime and once again I was "there" to send a son off with the National Guards at the tail end of Dessert Storm. And last Sunday, I represented all in the family who wanted to be "there" with another as they show their patriotism to our country. One could not help but wonder how many other parents, grandparents and siblings had stood in the same place that I stood. And how many had their young man put their arms around them and assure them "everything is going to be okay…" May God Bless All of our Service Men and Women.

Jonathan and Phyllis Latham were also surrounded by the military this last Sunday as their whole family managed to gather for the first time in a long time. Their sons, Marshall, who is in the Navy and graduating from the seminary in May, and son, Tommy, who is in the Army and leaving for Germany in May, and son, Stephen who works for Eastman and their families filled the pews at Forest Home Baptist Church on Sunday morning. Their only daughter, Adrienne came in from Atlanta, Georgia, where she attends the Art Institute. Adrienne may be the only daughter in the bunch, but she can sure hold her own.

They swarmed the place in British cars and filed in for a hearty East Texas breakfast. The Southwest Regional Triumph club consisting of approximately 50 members from Tyler left an indelible impression at the Circle Café early Thursday morning. "Oh, it is bigger than it looks," said one of the drivers as she entered the door. "We're here for a good breakfast and we hear this is the place," said another. The cars drew even a larger than normal crowd at the restaurant as regular customers had to check out the vehicles. And if you don't think those gals know how to hop-to-it you didn't see how fast those fresh pots of coffee were put on the burner and tables made ready…

It's all boys! We recently reported Tina Bonner, who works for Kilgore National Bank, is expecting triplets. Now she knows - they are all boys! Those Hedrick triplets need to become this family's godparents… well, on second thought maybe not. At least they do need to meet up. At any rate, a baby fund has been set up at the bank to help the Bonner's with triple expectations…

Oh, I did it last week - I gave Courtney Hodgkins a new daddy. Her real father, Ronnie Hodgkins may want to give her a way a time or two, but he is not willing to give up his parental rights. Courtney is our 17-year-old Kilgore golfer, that we are all so proud to know.

The Kilgore Community Crisis Center, is in need of someone to "adopt" a bedroom in the shelter for remodeling. If you are interested please contact them at 903-984-3019.

There is an old fashioned homecoming celebrating 97 years taking place next Sunday at Hickory Grove Baptist Church. It will be followed by a three-day revival. For more information call 903- 984-0917.

Get ready, get ready, informs Stephanie at Overton Chamber of Commerce. "Our citywide garage sale will be held on May 3rd," she said. While there stick your head in the Peanut Butter Emporium and say hello to Carrie Parsons. She will excitedly tell you about the article written about her business in the Ride Texas (biker) magazine recently. Carrie ventures out to Kilgore every now and then to demonstrate at the schools the value of peanuts and peanut butter. (She is also known to bring delicious samples of peanut butter fudge, pie, etc.)

May His Love and Laughter Fill Your Hearts and Your Homes Throughout the Week. I may be reached at 903-984-2593 or by e-mail at chitchatlinda@aol.com.