Some Secrets Just Cannot be Kept Secret!

It is probably best not to tell everything you know, especially when most of it is has to do with yourself; even so, I am going to take the risk. The picture you see here was taken in 1958, when I was sixteen years old. The people in the picture are (l-r) Bobby Bell, Diane Powell, Hollis Goodroe, Mac Goddard, and Annis Brunson. I think most of you know Annis rather well by now, and I think you also know me (or you think you do) but the rest you do not know. Recently I sent a copy of this picture to Hollis, who at the time was my best friend. We grew up together and I mean together. We spent time together--lots of time. We attended school together--all 12 grades! We spent hours in the very spot where this picture was made; the kids today would call it "hanging out." I have no idea how many RC Colas and Moon Pies we consumed in this place--the local drug store.

Interestingly, Hollis responded to my email that had the picture attached, with the following: "I can not place that scenario at all. I recognize everyone, you guys and Diane Powell and Bobby Bell. But I neither remember the situation nor the setting. Oh well."

I found that hard to believe; nevertheless, I reminded him and in doing so I am sure I jogged his memory. Anyway, what he did remember was quite interesting, so I thought I would share it with you: "But talking about how long we have been friends. The Goodroes moved to Reynolds in the summer of 1946. We have pictures of my 4th birthday party in Reynolds; by that party I had met you and Jimmy Windham. We had all played together. That would mean that we have known each other for 60+ years. The weird thing is that I can remember a lot of things from my very young childhood. For example, I can remember things we did together before we ever started the first grade. I remember quite a few things that happened in kindergarten and I remember the first day of Mrs. Ogburn's class very vividly. I remember talking to Rebecca Mims that day and Gene Brunson and you, and being concerned about how mean and tough Mrs. Ogburn was going to be. You told me she taught your Dad many years earlier."

Now for the secret that I suppose I need to tell you but please promise not to tell anyone--please. Cross your heart and hope to die? OK, here goes with the rest of Hollis' story: "It was not long before Mrs. Ogburn had my desk on one side of her, yours on the other, and Gene's in a similar proximity. I remember telling Mom that Mrs. Ogburn moved our desks close to her 'cause she liked the three of us better than the other students. I don't think Mom bought that but at least I tried to put a favorable spin on it, I suppose."

Until now, no one has ever known that I was one of my first grade teacher's pets, so much so that I got to have my desk right next to hers!

Remember your promise!!

Your Pastor