Afterthoughts

     It's common to hear gunshots in my neighborhood.  Usually, we think nothing of it. We roll our eyes and continue with whatever we're doing.      Awhile back, I heard two gunshots in the middle of the night. When I looked outside I saw a black truck pull into my neighbor's drive.  A man got out and ran into the house.  Moments later three people rush out to the street, got into a parked car, and drove away.  Not long after that, three police cars came on the scene.  Six police officers got out of their squad cars and began walking around the house looking in the windows.      The next morning, I found out what happened.  The couple that lives there had received a call from her brother. His truck had engine trouble.  In order not to be late for work, he needed a ride.  When he drove over the bridge next to their house, his truck backfired.      Now I realize, sometimes what I think I hear is not what I heard. IN ORDER TO HEAL The times we live in make us run

Chilton W. McPheeters    Each person has a gift in life.  Sometimes it's hard to know what it might be.  Unusual gifts are easy to spot,  Take for instance a man I know who buys shoes for people.  It doesn't matter who they are. If you need shoes I suggest you look him up. He will smile at you and insist you go with him to the shoe store. The Shoe Man I know a man who likes to buy shoes. He counts by ones and sometimes twos. His kindness is great for your weary feet. They are so grateful for the wonderful treat.  So, look out for the man with a smile on his face. He's waiting for you to slow down your pace. Then, into the store you both will go. How many pairs he'll buy, I don't know.                       Patricia Westbrook