Wakulla Station News
By VERNA BROCK
I am writing this on Halloween, and hope everyone will have a fun and safe haunting. My grandson, Harrison, got the news he has THE FLU this morning, which made me recall my own Halloween adventure many years ago, as a kindergartener.
Way back then, in 1960, the measles was running rampant across the country, and through my kindergarten class at Thunder Bay Elementary School in Alpena, MI. But my brother and I were very eagerly anticipating an evening of trick or treating. Alas, after a very hot bath, I emerged covered in a head-to-toe red rash, and was immediately put to bed for two weeks in a dark, silent room. No Halloween candy that year. My brother and I both survived without incident, but I am very grateful my children and grandchildren have had access to innoculations!
That year saw so many children infected, as well as their pregnant mothers, there was an epidemic of children and babies left with every kind of damage from the virus. In the years after this outbreak, communities were inundated with children needing special accommodations. Believe it or not, this led to the advent of activist mothers and “mainstreaming in education” legislation.
Funding was made available to teach special-needs children without ostracizing and hiding them away. This change in philosophy and approach has changed awareness throughout the world, all for the better. Kudos to those parents who fought to make a change in society for all of our children!
Faye Sweeney and Pam Adams have returned from their trip to leaf-peep in the mountains, feeling refreshed in body and spirit. From all accounts, the foliage is stunning this year.
Please keep the family of Betty Jean Manning in your prayers. She has shaken off her Earthly shackles, and resides among the angels now. A mother of eight, with many grandchildren and great-children, Ms. Betty was a shining example of Christian charity and steadfastness,
Your continued prayers for Sheryl Grimes, Barbara Vickery and my friend Paul Clark are much appreciated. Also in need of prayers are my friends David and Sheila Vick, as they recover from the flu.
Be careful out there folks, it’s shaping up to be a rough flu season. But innoculations for the flu are also readily available for everyone and can help protect you from a really unpleasant few days (if not worse).
Election Day approaches, and Ed and I have voted. I can attest that it was a painless experience, with our Wakulla Elections Office running smooth as silk! I am very impressed with Joe Morgan and his team. They are professional, friendly, and on top of the whole process. Make sure you have a plan to vote!