The Record: Mama would hold me in her arms

That is the title of a song I heard about 20 years ago. Songs are not only sung in showers, but they can echo from anywhere that the soul is touched. This particular song was bellowed out from the walls of the French Robertson Prison, a maximum-security unit. I heard it on numerous occasions when I attended graduation ceremonies with my wife who taught at the unit.
It was always very touching to watch the inmates sing that song. In that moment they were not the “tough guys” or the “bad guys.” They were just singing about their mamas, and tears flowed down their cheeks, as well as from some in the audience.

I have no knowledge of their pasts, but I suspect there were men singing who probably thought about Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried” song, and maybe some were singing and really trying to imagine what it would have been like to have had a mother to hold them.

Those men singing certainly made me think about my mother. She is an awesome woman. I suspect that most of you would use a similar word to describe your mother. Most mothers just know how to nurture, encourage, care for us, hold us, pat us on the back and, yes, paddle us on the backside when necessary, and for those attributes we can all be thankful.
Some individuals may not have been blessed to have that biological mother to help them on the journey; however, they may have had that aunt, grandmother, step-mother, foster mother or adoptive mother. Whatever the case may have been, we want to wish all a Happy Mother’s Day!
Memorial Day

We celebrate Memorial Day on May 30. This day is set side to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. I think it is only fitting that our lead story is about TSgt Frank C. Ferrel, who died 80 years ago in WWII. He was finally laid to rest next to his mother. Mother and son finally together again.
As I read his story, I noticed that he and my dad were born just months apart. My dad did come back from the war, but as a member of American Legion Post #856 he never forgot. Every Memorial Day he would place flags on the graves of veterans until his health begin to decline.

The Mayor

There will be the changing of the guard in a few days. Mayor Anthony Williams, when you count his time on the city council, has served the city of Abilene longer than any elected official in the history of Abilene. I think the key word is that he served. He served for 21 years, approximately 7,665 days. In that time, he has had to make a lot of decisions, and I doubt if anyone has agreed with all of them.

I think the way we judge a servant, whether it’s a waitress at a restaurant or whether it’s the mayor, we should ask did they give it their best? In the case of Mayor Williams, I think he enthusiastically did his best.

Was his best good enough? You will have to judge that one for yourselves.
Consider the following as you ponder that question:

In the last six years, these are a few of the things that took place under his administration: •The DCOA has completed 84.1% of the capital investment in the DCOA’s history $2.819 billion •35 projects/company partnerships •2,300+ jobs retained •1,300+ jobs created •Misty Mayo named Top 50 Economic Developer in North America •#8 Metro in United States for Economic Development •Top 15 City in United States for Corporate Investment Project •Top 14 City in America for Community Impact Project •Community Economic Development Award for Innovation in the State of Texas •Substantial new projects and impact •Contributed to the National Gold Shovel Award for Texas, •Abilene received the Texas Community Development Award two out of the last three years, •$133 million invested in streets over the last six years, •Downtown Revitalization, •Guided the city through COVID and the Big Freeze.
I am reminded of the Old Negro Spiritual titled “May the work I’ve done speak for me.” Mayor Williams, we wish you and your family the best. Thank You for your service.

The Elections

First, I would like to say thanks to all who decided to run for Mayor or City Council. It is a tremendous undertaking. It is a noble thing to have the desire to serve the citizens of Abilene.
The citizens of Abilene have spoken, and those elected are as follows: Mayor Weldon Hurt, Place 3 City Council Blaise Regan and Place 4 City Council Brian Yates. Congratulations to these individuals and may they be wise stewards as they serve the citizens of Abilene. Regan will be taking Council Woman Donna Albus’ spot. We want to thank Ms. Albus for her service and wish her well in her future endeavors.
Abilene Gives

The Abilene Gives campaign was very successful a new giving record was set. A little over two million dollars was raised in a 12-hour period. The funds will benefit over 170 non-profits. We at the West Texas Tribune would like to thank those who made a donation to the paper. Anyone who wishes to make a donation in the future may send checks to West Texas Tribune, 3300 South 14th Street, Suite 100, Abilene Texas 79605. The West Texas Tribune is a 501-C3 organization.

Floyd Miller is the Publisher of the West Texas Tribune, host of It’s Everything West Texas, and a financial advisor. He can be reached at 325-829-5585.