OUR TOWN: THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN'

I was probably on my way to the new Wal-Mart (our biggest step away from small townhood) when I heard from the back seat, "what's that?" "what are they building?" Probably more homes I thought. Soon the road was closed and it occurred to me that this would be the new extension of Main Street.

Shawnee and Main Street would soon be a bonifide intersection. I blocked it out. I didn't go that way. Road closed. Eventually I came out of denial and realized why I was sad. A hole was being cut into what used to be a picture postcard. A picture I had always meant to take. It was pure and simple. A field of wheat scattered with evergreens against a bright blue sky. It was a Van Gogh painting.

However, with the advent of Main Street's extension comes new possibilities. A whole new community with direct access to uptown Jackson. What's happening in uptown Jackson? Nothing. Perhaps that's why people go to St. Louis to shop. Where are the boutiques? The existing shops in uptown Jackson need to be complimented somehow.

Please excuse the melodrama, but we have buildings exploding with potential. They're ornate, decorative, overlooked and in need of TLC. The potential for retail businesses to stand out and reflect Jackson's proud image is tremendous. At this time, I can't tell if some are even open.

Just to open another can of worms -- why not restore the mural on the corner of Missouri Street and Main Street? It's a crying shame not to. Some genuine interest was expressed with the recent mural that was painted on the corner of Main and High Streets. Perhaps local artists would be willing to contribute their time and talent to the restoration project.

Let's face it. The times they are a changin'. It wasn't that long ago when you could leave your house at any time and not get caught in traffic. That was then. With growth comes growing pains.

It was at the four-way stop that I rediscovered my faith in mankind. I marveled at the very fact that people actually stopped and then pulled away according to whose turn it was. Nobody played beat the clock. They still don't and I hope that never changes.

The old Town and Country, the old Wal-Mart-are gone. Memories exist. I was honored to live in a town that offered my fidgety toddler a "sucker" or some other way of showing kindness. I honestly felt like my-children were welcome. In a big town those kindnesses are rare. Nobody offers to help you with groceries to your car. Something gets lost with growth. What will happen with the old Wal-Mart? I miss it. I miss Town & Country. I even miss Sanders, even though they-still manage to remember how to make you feel personally welcome. Please don't leave, IGA!