I’m not sure how I feel about roundabouts. The first time I entered one I longed for the clarity of a four-way stop. Visions of Clark Griswold trapped in an endless loop on his European Vacation came to mind. After a few scattered encounters, however, I’ll admit the appeal of the yield has made some inroads.
Today’s column doesn’t have anything to do with roundabouts. That just seemed like a good title for a variety of topics with multiple exit options. Here are some thoughts I wanted to share before they succumb to fickle memory syndrome.
Blood Donors – In September of 2023 a comment was posted on my blog by Terry Walker of Perry. After reading a column titled “Granddaddy’s Pistol,” he shared a story about the sentimental value of an old pickup he once owned. We swapped a couple of emails and I learned he was a regular blood donor. He had given ten gallons and two pints and was still going strong. There’s no telling how many lives he’s touched or even saved. Perhaps Terry’s good example will inspire some of us slackers to get in line.
“He’ll never learn.” – That humorous line was in a series of television commercials for Southern Maid Bacon decades ago. I mentioned it in a 2020 column titled “Burning Wet Leaves.” Six years later, Steven Johnson found that story online and posted a comment. He shared that his grandfather, Frank Johnson, was the man in the ads and that he owned the company. I would have enjoyed knowing Mr. Johnson. He was an astute businessman with a flair for humor and marketing, who learned how to earn with that winning combination.
Lonesome Pine Road – I’ve mentioned that road in several columns. Karen Winch, a Georgia lady who now lives in California, recently stumbled across my blog and told me both sets of her grandparents had lived on Lonesome Pine. I’ve never met Karen but went to church with all four of her grandparents. Her father, Jones Harpe, was a friend and classmate of my father at Pinehurst High School. Our small world keeps getting smaller.
Ladder Matters – In 2016 I wrote a very short book about ladder safety. It didn’t cross my mind to mention shoes. Several years ago a local man’s flip flops got hung in a rung as he was coming down. His broken leg suggests that flip flops and ladders don’t mix.
In September a friend with years of ladder experience got hurt while stepping from a ladder onto a stool. The stool fell over resulting in severe injuries to his back. It’s a painful reminder that short cuts to safety can lead to long-run problems.
George Washington Jordan – I believe this Dooly County native is Georgia’s oldest living World War II veteran. He turned 107 on April 15, 2026. When I last saw him he was 105 and living with his son, Nathan, who has since died. He now lives in a nursing home. Mr. George has reached a remarkable milestone, one that warrants recognition but perhaps is hard to celebrate. Longevity often comes with a high cost.
I guess the circle of life is sort of like a roundabout with a lot of options, including one trip we don’t return from. Early in life’s journey George W. Jordan made a choice for his final exit by taking the narrow path of faith in Christ. At whatever point Mr. George leaves the roundabout of life, he’ll be headed for the streets of pure gold, a remarkable milestone that comes with a joyous celebration.
