Story originally ran Dec. 14, 2022 –
A piece of nostalgia visible in the window of the office of Tim Wehner, an attorney with Rainey Kizer Reviere and Bell, 105 South Highland Avenue, attracted Grace Media Group – NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM, 93.1 & La Poderosa 105.3 – to visit with Tim to discuss a ‘leg lamp’ he puts on display during this very special time of year.
Question: First, a little background information – where are you originally from, family, education and your profession?
Answer: I was born and raised in Medina and Jackson. I graduated from North Side High School – Class of ’85. I’ve been married 32 years to the lovely and talented Kim Foster Wehner – also North Side Class of ’85. We have two beautiful daughters, Kaylie and Caroline.
As fine Southern ladies, Kim, Kaylie, and Caroline are all greatly underwhelmed and maybe a little embarrassed by the “unsightly” leg lamp – much like Ralphie’s mom in the movie – ‘A Christmas Story.’
I am a proud partner at the Rainey Kizer Reviere and Bell law firm. I have been practicing law for 30 years.
I enjoy the corner office of RKRB’s Highland office overlooking our beautiful downtown Court Square and City Hall.
Question: Those familiar with the Christmas movie – ‘A Christmas Story’ will recognize the leg lamp that is displayed in a window in your office at Rainey Kizer. Why the leg lamp?
Answer: I didn’t choose the leg lamp as a decoration. The leg lamp chose me. I always enjoyed watching the seasonal favorite “A Christmas Story.”
One year the lamp just arrived in appropriately marked boxes. I have since proudly displayed it in my office window for many years.
The birth of Jesus will always be the Reason for the Season.
But the leg lamp is like a funny Christmas tree ornament that is brought out for showing off to the world each year. It warms the heart because it make you smile and think of happy memories.
The movie featuring the leg lamp does just that for me. It makes me think of my childhood and the warmest memories of parents, family meals, silently wishing in earnest for Santa to bring certain toys, and the delightful anticipation for Christmas morning.
I can remember rolling out of bed at 4:30 a.m., on Christmas Day and happily playing with my Santa delivered goodies for hours before anyone else was even awake!
Question: Are we correct when we ask if you are a fan of the movie, and how much time is spent watching the classic during the holidays?
Answer: I am still a fan of the movie after all these years. It makes me smile to this day, and I always announce to my wife that it is back on television.
Her eyes roll back in her head on cue just like last year! The Christmas Story movie is obviously still popular with a lot of folks – and not just me. TBS shows it for 24 hours every year. And, no, I do not watch it for 24 hours straight. I do usually have it playing on at least one television in the house.
(NOTE: Tim has got this memorized – On Christmas Eve at 8 p.m., TBS will begin airing its annual 24 hours of A Christmas Story, playing the film 12 consecutive times until 8 p.m. on Christmas Day)
Also, I understand that there is a sequel to the movie out this year. I have not yet seen it, but plan to watch it. Yes, Kim, I will probably watch it again and again and again …
Question: What do you think is the reason the movie remains as popular as it does?
Answer: The Christmas Story movie and the leg lamp are still popular, I think, because they remind us of simpler and happier times. The nostalgia that the lamp brings is a big reason that I display it in my window.
Those familiar with the movie will recall that the lamp did not survive long after it arrived and was so proudly displayed by the father in the front window of their home. The lamp met with a mysterious ‘accident’ of some sort while no one was looking.
To the contrary, my leg lamp has survived several holiday seasons. I bring her out on December 1 – always before the downtown Christmas parade – and take it down before New Year’s Day.
If left out any longer, I would worry that my lamp might also meet with some unfortunate accident. And I cannot bear to think of such heartache (laughing).
Question: How long have you had the leg lamp, and does it become a topic of conversation when someone is in your office?
Answer: My law partners have a great sense of humor. They graciously tolerate my festive spirit with the leg lamp being displayed so prominently for a little while each holiday season. The law firm has received several calls through the years of potential clients wanting to be represented by ‘the lawyer with the leg lamp.’
My friend, Don Ross at Haven Insurance, across Main Street kindly asked me to move the lamp to another window because the fish net hose on the lamp were just too distracting to him. I wondered why he was looking over here with binoculars! But we moved the lamp to the window facing Highland Avenue so now more traffic – but not Don – can see it (laughing).
Question: Is it safe to say when you received the lamp, it didn’t take long for you to come up with a game plan?
Answer: My leg lamp is displayed with the hope that it will make you giggle and smile.
Hopefully, you will see it and have a laugh thinking of the movie. Or better yet, it will warm your heart in a sentimental moment thinking of family during the holiday season.
Come see Santa and the leg lamp in beautiful downtown Jackson, Tennessee. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
(PHOTO: Tim Wehner, an attorney with Rainey Kizer Reviere and Bell, displays a leg lamp during Christmas at 105 South Highland Avenue)
