Monday, January 18, 2010

It's a Wonderful Life



It's a Wonderful Life here in the River Valley and Ozark regions of Arkansas, and here are two locals to prove it.

Mary and George Bailey (as in the characters in the popular and sentimental Christmas movie) have been married 75 years.

Both life-long educators, he being made principal of the school, they never tired of working side by side.

Mary is a hospice patient now. She doesn't remember things too well. She forgets words and when she works herself up into a lather he calms her down.

George can't see too well, but he proclaims she is the prettiest girl he ever did see. "And smart, too," he likes to add. Although she forgets how to dress at times, Mary looks out for George and moves furniture, so he can move about and reaches out her hand to steady him.

May this belated holiday story inspire you to love and to reach out to those who need you.