“There’s no place like home…there’s no place like home” played in my head a thousand times last month after unexpectedly finding myself in a Mexican hospital in order to air-ambulance my father home. After learning that my father had a stroke while vacationing in a resort area, the family mission was getting him stateside and into the most capable medical hands. Trust me, the experience was no vacation…neither is Mexico for that matter. Having traveled there many times, I now see it as the antithesis of Jacksonville – as a place in flux, a country seemingly lost and based on mistrust, manipulation and fear.
After touching down on US soil, the world-class staff at Tucson Medical Center took over, prompting a reprise of Dorothy’s famous line in my head. For my father, the rehab road will be long, but is full of optimism, hope and possibility, requiring a medical-family-team effort.
Post-Mexico, I’m more grateful than ever to live in a town where I can live in peace with my neighbors and walk down the street without looking askew at those coming my way. Trust me, there’s value in trusting those in your community and Jacksonville is the real deal. After the ordeal, I couldn’t help thinking that some of the serious “issues” I’ve been focused on over the last three years may not be as critical as once thought.
My optimism for my father’s medical recovery is equaled by the optimism for another sensational Jacksonville summer season, bolstered by an incredible lineup on the Britt Hill. Jacksonville is a town brimming with energy and enthusiasm – the pages of this issue are chock-full of wonderful articles, columns and things to do – as is our online edition at jacksonvillereview.com! Events this month include the Forest Park Day, Opening Day of the Farmers Market, a May Day Festival at Bigham Knoll, History Saturday at the Cemetery, UnCorked!, the Starthistle Fly In, the Jacksonville Elementary Britt Musical, the Garden Club Plant Sale and more!
Last but certainly not least, The Review is thrilled to invite you to join Art Presence for their “Art Amble,” which returns to downtown on Friday, May 27, 5-7pm. From May-October on the 4th Friday of each month, Jacksonville will be the place to be with 24 businesses staying open late and hosting local artists.
Come downtown On May 27 for a fun-filled evening and meet and support our wonderful local artists in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!