Fern. Someone named this winter storm Fern. I betcha whoever that was does not reside in Oxford, Mississippi.
Hell, I don’t either anymore.
I would have named it Thor or Zeus or something that strikes fear into ya. It would have been much more appropriate.
I packed up three days ago and moved into my daughter’s house in Tupelo. I drive back home to Oxford every day to check on things, feed the cats and ask anyone in a neon orange or yellow shirt what their best guess is on lights coming back to the Rolling Woods Subdivision in which I live.
Today, a friendly electrician, who was next door working, told me he thought it would be at least a week.
I digress.
I shake my head.
I understand.
Back in 1994 I was in my fifth year at Delta State (not a typo) when that ice storm came on like a thief in the night. I remember I was in night class and at the midway point the professor gave us a 15-minute break. I walked outside and my car was frozen solid. Class was dismissed and I went home and eventually went to sleep.
I woke up to that hell the next morning. It was the start of three-and-a-half weeks without power.
Honestly, I kind of enjoyed it. I drank a lot of beer. I do remember that much.
Of course, I didn’t run an Internet website back then.
But I do underdstand.
It takes time to make things right.
I’m focusing on the positive. I get to spend unexpected time with my daughter and son-in-law at their new home in Tupelo. I’m warm. I’m fed. I’m loved.
I am good.
Meanwhile, there are thousands of people in Oxford and Lafayette County who have nowhere to go. I would imagine they are cold. Some are hungry. They are all prayed for.
This is a time where if you sit back and listen you can see the very best of the community you live in.
Today, I saw Cali Prieskorn (wife of former Ole Miss tight end Caden Prieskorn) get out and buy chicken sandwiches and pass them out to utility workers.
Today, I read a report by some of those out-of-town utility workers sleeping in their trucks last night so they could be in position to work at first light.
Today, I saw a throng of volunteers at Community Church of Oxford handing out boxes of food to anybody and everybody who pulled into its parking lot.
Today, I saw the Cajun Navy in Oxford, cooking and feeding Ole Miss students. Even football rivalries go to the side during times like this.
Today, I saw multiple Oxford restaurants offering to feed people for free, among them Loco Taco and our advertising partner The Velvet Ditch.
Today, I saw Coach Yo’ post a prayer for everyone affected.
Ole Miss and Oxford are going through some trouble right now. It’s tough plowing, as my grandpa would say.
But today will soon turn into tomorrow, I reckon.
And tomorrow, Ole Miss and Oxford will be just fine.
Meantime, call your neighbor and just ask them how they’re doing. I’ve had several call me. Man, it makes you feel good.
Stay strong Ole Miss.
Stay strong Oxford.
Stay strong Lafayette County.