By Todd E. Brady
Dear Guys,
Right now you are 18, 16, 14, 13, and 10. One day you will look back on your growing up days and think about those things that mom and I might have done differently or better. We are far from perfect, and you know that. We are working hard to both teach you right and wrong, and we are seeking to be examples to you of living according to what is good, true, and beautiful.
One day you will have families of your own, and it will be your responsibility to raise your children. Not only is raising children a tremendous responsibility; it is a great privilege, and it is a lot of fun.
When you were little, mom and I took you to Conger Park. You rode tricycles there. We threw the baseball there. We ate picnics there. How good to take you there and remember the times when I was taken there as a child. Whenever I took you there, I was flooded with great memories of that place from my childhood.
When I was a kid, Conger Park was called Highland Park. Next to the park was Tobe Bailey Field where we played Babe Ruth Baseball. It seemed like I was there most every night. The baseball field was behind Highland Park Elementary School.
The school has since been torn down, and Tobe Bailey Field is now next to another park—Muse Park. Those changes were good and helpful. As a community, those changes made way for other new and helpful initiatives. We were experiencing progress. Jackson was growing. We were becoming better.
While many of the buildings of my childhood have been torn down, the Jackson community has not only been building new buildings. We have seen Jackson building the quality of life for its citizens.
This community is a great community. There are great leaders who lead great institutions. Good churches with godly people dot the landscape. Tremendous teachers do a great job in our schools teaching our children. Great people serve in our community.
You guys may leave Jackson one day and live in another place. It may be that you live your life and raise your family right here in Jackson. One day, you’ll gather at Arrington’s around my casket and talk about your “good old days,” and not only do I hope you smile as you think about our family and your growing up days, I hope you’ll smile about the this community where you grew up.
Even though an unfortunate decision has been made in our community to hold a shameful event that is both regrettable and reprehensible at Conger Park, please know that our community is better than that.
I am disappointed that an event promoting thinking and behavior that is contrary to God’s creation design will be on display in one the parks of our city. On most days, what is right and good and helpful for the people of our community guides our leaders. You can take pride in that. Related to the upcoming event taking place where we once played and on behalf of our community, I want you to know that I am sorry. Jackson is better than this.
(PHOTO: Todd E. Brady)
