When you have known someone all their life, from baby days to adult years, you really miss them when they are gone. Jack Beaston was one of those people. Not only that, but in their married lives, Jack and Vernie lived close to me. Jack’s father was my classmate. He was our class poet and his wife, Esther, fit right in. Then Jack was my daughter, Wanda’s, classmate.

Beaston’s Market, downtown, was a special store. I think it started with Jacks’ grandfather, his father, and Jack — right down the line. No one could make those delicious chicken legs like Jack. He seasoned them perfectly. I know people who loaded up a bunch, frozen, and took them home for future use. Jack, not only family but many friends will miss you.

Just like a speeding freight train, Christmas and New Year’s Day have sped by before we realized it. I received a little book called “The Purpose of Christmas,” by Rick Warren. It is a thoughtful treatise on the meaning and purpose of that wonderful celebration. Whether you celebrate or not, you deal with that special date whether you want to or not. Besides, every day of our calendar is dated from the date of Jesus’ birth. I guess we look back and wonder about what we did and then wonder what will happen in 2009. Every day is new and will be full of surprises.

Maybe you will meet someone new or hear from someone of the past. So, keep alert. You might get a surprise!

— norma hannaford