It is not often I find myself at a writer’s block, especially for columns. My mind is more scattered like bird shot this week for what I want to write about. 

My family reunion was this past weekend in Bogue Chitto. I had a great time celebrating the legacy of a family which has grown over the generations. It blows my mind how the crowd of 70 to 75 people present at the reunion are just a fraction of the descendants. 

Wayne Moak reminded everyone Sunday in the family’s devotional that we would go through hard times and loss. The good news is that Jesus Christ died and rose again to save us from our sins. One day all of the believers would be reunited in heaven again. I can’t wait for that day. 

Monday, I went on my first dove hunt in Bogue Chitto with my kinfolk. The shells I shot belonged to my “Uncle,” Tim Leonard who died from COVID in 2020. All I could think about is how much fun we would have had hunting together. I attribute the reawakening of my love for the outdoors to him. 

I was impressed by Lane Sasser’s ability to knock down doves while using a mobility chair Monday. He suffered a serious injury in an accident this summer. The doves I shot at must have had birdshot proof vests or maybe I haven’t gotten the hang of shooting on the wing. 

I also saw a “miracle,” in that dove field. Lane’s mobility chair had terrible off-road handling skills and required some help to be pushed around. At lunch time, Lane left his chair right there by a hay bale and Blake Sasser took great pleasure in posting a picture with the caption “game wardens pulling up made miracles happen today.” I think the whole group is still laughing. Fellowship, food and laughter are the key ingredients to a successful dove hunt. 

My wife and I went up to Flowood to visit with my grandparents. We ended up watching game shows and talking for a few hours. I hope DirectTV and ESPN fix their issues, my Papaw wants to watch college football again. 

Part of me wanted to write a column about the roundabouts in Brookhaven but quite frankly I trust MDOT did its job to promote safety. We will get used to the change whenever it comes, if it comes. 

Speaking of change, our editor Stacy Graning is moving back home to Natchez to lead the newspaper there as a publisher. I’m extremely grateful for her patience with me as a young writer. I’ll miss her greatly.