Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Mother of Ruston

Jim Wingard, who grew up in Ruston, had this farewell message for Mary Joyce after the dedication ceremony on Saturday...

Mary, you are already sorely missed! Not that everything always went smoothly. After all, Ruston is a small town and big personalities tend to clash. But somehow through it all you managed to steer an even keel and help to right the ship when things were going awry.

I especially remember when my Dad, Leo, recorder/microphone in hand would get especially excited he would get a call the next day inviting him to breakfast. He thoroughly enjoyed breakfast with you and Bert and your family and ruffled feathers seemed to be assuaged.

But over the period of 38 years this became almost a routine occurrence. I am finally getting it now he may have contrived, at least semi-consciously, to get invited to breakfast with the Joyces. We will never know but somehow I think he is smiling right now.

We cannot tell you enough what a treasure you are and sadly I don't think you can be replaced.

Happy retirement and please pray for us as a town we can pull together not apart.

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