My career has prompted me to move around this great country and Sara and I have gotten pretty good at moving, making new friends, taking in new sights and enjoying new people and cultures.
This move to the Mississippi Delta has not been that different.
In the early days, we moved with boxes and boxes of baby stuff and as our boys grew older it transitioned into bicycles, fishing poles and puppy dogs.
This last move has been unique in that Sara and I no longer have a house full of boys and this move has allowed us to streamline our life. Another way of saying that is we’ve thrown away a lot of stuff this time around.
As I get a little older and wiser, I have learned the stuff and the station are not near as important as the friends and memories you make.
Clarksdale
Those who read me regularly know I was born in Greenville and proudly claim to be a Native Son of the Great State of Mississippi.
I’ve always liked to see what’s around the next corner or over the next hill. Sara is also a native of the Magnolia State, but likes her life a little quieter and centered around home.
And this week the moving van pulled up to 504 West Second Street and we are officially here.
I took this job in May and I’ve been pleasantly pleased with what I have found in Clarksdale.
There is definitely nightlife in this town, you have had several major industrial announcements, the shopping is decent and there is news for me to write about everywhere.
I had someone tell me this week that Clarksdale is a lot nicer place than most local people think it is.
Yes, I was part of a conversation when I first got here where someone -- who said she had lived in this town for 30 years -- asked me “Why do you want to move here?”
I was also part of a conversation with a tourist from California recently who told me, “I’ve lived there so long I don’t like it anymore.”
Both those last two statements reflect an attitude rather than a town or community.
The first statement is also true.
Now don’t get me wrong. There are good people in this town who have a strong vision for Clarksdale. I’m glad I have already met you.
I’ve already discovered that, Clarksdale really is The Delta’s Rising Star.
First Days
We bought Daniel a duck call his first day in Clarksdale.
Sara has already spotted the jewelry stores in town. She’s worked hard this move. It’s time to buy something shiny for her.
I’ve already been invited to a steak-cookin’ on the other side of the levy. Every denomination in this town has invited me to church. And most of you have gotten where you stop me in the restaurant, at the grocery store or at the coffee shop and tell me your latest news.
I hope that never changes.
Will I ever move from Clarksdale? Well, I’ve always stayed where I was wanted or until the Lord sends me some place better.
Right now that is Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Moving Forward
So Sara and I will enjoy a little time together this Thanksgiving and then it will be Christmas and the boys come home to a new house.
We’ll proudly carry them to new restaurants, have meals in a big new dining room and go to church services where I will introduce them to new faces and friends.
We’ll show off our community and the great things we have here.
Yes, moving is a chore. But I do hope people will join me in my next move. It will be to move Clarksdale forward.
Floyd Ingram is the Editor of your Clarksdale Press Register. You can visit him at 128 East Second Street to talk about your next move in life.
