Today's Opinions

In the song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” the composer laments that although he knows it’s a long road back, he promises to be home for Christmas. Reminiscing about the memories of home, he ends with the line: if only in my dreams.

 Whether near or far, whether returning home for Christmas or not, Owen countians cherish their memories of that special time of year by sharing traditions with their families, thus preserving their history and heritage.

There is a saying: “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” It was based on an ode that Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote when he turned over a newly built mouse nest as he plowed his fields. Seeing the mouse scamper away with no hope of rebuilding that nest because the season was so late, Burns reflected on how many times, although carefully thought out, plans don’t always turn out the way we envisioned them.

The fine, elegant hands glided effortlessly across the piano keys as music filled the church and embedded itself in my soul. The straight back of Margaret Alice Murphy never once lost its composure as I watched in amazement this almost 91-year-old Owen County historian and genealogist play straight through 17 songs, several of which were difficult to perform.