Vendor Submissions

Was there anything I could have said or done?

BY ANONYMOUS CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

If there’s something positive to come out of this global pandemic it is the importance of caring for our mental health. It has affected people of all ages.

I became even more acutely aware this just recently as I was reminded of some dark days from my past.

A young man recently asked me to listen/ sing along to the song, “Why” by Rascal Flatts. (If you’re not familiar with the song it’s about someone who takes their own life and those left behind wonder why.)

As I sang the first verse, my eyes filled with tears. I thought of former classmate of mine — well, he was in Mrs. Claybrooks’ class and I was in Mr. Hill’s 6th grade right next door — A.D. seemed to be a typical 12-year-old boy who was kind of quiet and shy but he could always make you smile — that is until he was found hanging in the barn around Christmastime. The hollidays took on a more somber tone at school that year.

I told my mom I just couldn’t believe it! I told her how he had been looking forward to seeing his mom over the holidays. It was all he had been talking about lately at school.

I watched as the color drained from my her face, and then she told me, “His mom’s been dead for seven years.” Suddenly, I found myself wondering, how did I not know this? I mean, I knew he lived with his dad, and I’m pretty sure he had other brothers and sisters, but he never really talked about his mom. At that stage in my life I was very much an introvert, so I guess I just didn’t ask, or when I asked he changed the subject. He was really good at that if he didn’t want to talk. I honestly don’t remember. Now, when I think of him, I often wonder if I had known would it have made a difference? I guess I’ll never know for sure.

By the second verse, the tears were now streaming down my face as I began to think about my cousin Ronnie. He was definitely the class clown, but always so much fun! He was a welder by trade, but his passion was music. I remember when he was in the 4th grade he auditioned for the talent show. It was no surprise to me when he got a spot. His performance was quickly brought to a halt though when he began to sing, “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound” by Hank Williams Jr. It was good while it lasted though. (He must’ve used a different song for the audition.)

When he got older he and his band could do a rendition of “Born to be Wild” that was awesome!

In spite of his many talents, when his marriage fell apart and there seemed to be no chance for reuniting the family, he took his own life — choosing a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Perhaps the saddest part of all was his 6-year-old daughter was the one who found him with a gun shot wound to the head. (She used to describe it in graphic detail.)

I know he never meant for that to happen, and yet, it did. How do you get over something like that? Do you ever? Was there anything that could’ve prevented this tragedy? I wonder. I guess I always will.

By the third verse, my voice that can usually be heard even over the loudest traffic was reduced to a whisper, barely any sound coming out. My mind was now firmly focused on my Mom who died at 54 of a Fentanyl and cocaine overdose, ruled a suicide.

It was 21 years to the day of my dad’s death, and she had tried three or four times before on that date but I managed to “save her.” (Though, she may have viewed it as prolonging her suffering.) She definitely had a rough life and that’s putting it mildly.

I wish she could’ve seen life as I do — it may not be ideal, but it’s life, it’s a gift, and everybody’s is a work in progress. Even those born to wealth and privilege struggle with something. No one gets an easy pass, even though it may look that way, we just have to make the best of what we have and realize that regardless of what our situation is, IT CAN ALWAYS BE WORSE!

Even though I try to maintain a positive viewpoint, it’s a constant battle. Each day I wake up I try to find purpose and meaning in my life. And if for some reason I don’t wake up, I know I will finally have true comfort, peace and rest.

My mother would’ve been 70 on Jan. 31. Though she’s been gone for nearly 16 years, and we had a tumultuous love/hate relationship at best I still miss her very much! It doesn’t matter how old you are, you always need your Mom, right?

By the time I finished the song, if you can call it that, the guy said, “I guess you’ve had some experience with stuff like this, huh?”

I nodded yes, and he apologized for requesting the song in the first place.

I shook my head and tried to pull myself together and finally said, “It’s OK sometimes you just need to have a good cry.”

I explained in cases where it doesn’t go according to plan I usually offer a do over, but I told him I couldn’t guarantee a different outcome. He seemed to understand and we parted ways. I’m not sure he’ll come back. Some do, some don’t. I’ll just have to wait and see.

If there is a lesson to be learned here it’s that if you see someone in trouble or even think they might be, take time — make time — to talk to them. If the feeling persists, keep on asking even if they are resistant. Who knows, you just might save a life.

If you fail to act, you may find yourself asking, why? Was there anything I could’ve said or done? And by then it may be too late and you may never find the answers you seek.

If you need help don’t be afraid to ask. Help is available and as dark as things may seem there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255.

Love Thy Neighbor (part 2)

BY JOHN H., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

Many here is Nashville seem to have a problem when it comes to loving thy neighbor. God says in his word that loving thy neighbor and loving God was the greatest of his commandments. I pray every day for Americans that can’t seem to love because truly; out country wasn’t built on love.

When Columbus first sailed to America it was actually by mistake. So they say Columbus discovered it, (well, that’s what they led people to believe) but the real truth was also there too. You know it’s easy to lead people to believe something. For instance, President Trump, how he lead people into believing the election was stolen from him. Amazing how people follow the things of the world. God says in 1 John, “They are of the world; therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” That’s why racism is so popular. We must be like our neighbor.

Did you know these people won’t inherit God’s kingdom when they die. God goes on to say that, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar, he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how come he love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have seen from him, that he who loveth God love his brother too. 1 John 4: 20-21. I wonder what part of this many bright, intelligent American’s don’t understand.

One thing that’s so important I’ve always believed, “I don’t have to have what my neighbor has and I definitely don’t have to be like him. I have to obey and follow God’s command. I have to love my brother and God.”

Ya see! It’s very important that we parents teach our children to love. Both parents should commit to this teaching. My mom and dad taught me. I have yet cling to such a teaching in all my life. It’s all a greater good coming from a parent. Most obeyed. Fare to teach. One thing I’ve learned, you can’t pretend to love in heaven, you’ll get kicked out. And you can’t pretend around God’s children, they can see through you. I’d look the other way too, ‘cause my head will be filled with shame.

My Husband Who Loves Comic Books and Action Figures

BY JAMIE W., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

My husband Tommy collects all kinds of comic books. He loves the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Superman — he loves all kinds. When he was a baby his mom would read comic books. There’s no telling how many comic books and action figures he’s had. His action figures combined with all the Barbie Dolls and porcelain dolls I have means when you walk into my living room it’s like walking into a tiny toy store.

For as long as I can remember Tommy has always loved his comic book and action figures and no matter what people say, he will always love comic books and action figures for many years from now till whenever. No one can take his love for comic books and action figures away from him and no matter how old he gets he will always love his comic books and action figures and he has been collecting comic books and action figures for such a long long time.

I hope that all of my customers love this article. I just wanted to write this article because I love him so I thought I would do this one about him and no matter how old he gets he will continue to love his comic books and action figures and I hope all of my customers like this article about my husband who I love and will always love.