What’s in a name, part 2

Our youngest child is named “Carlton Fulghum Wallace.” Naming our third born was the toughest. Unlike with our second-born, Harris, we were able to find out he would be a boy at 20 weeks into the pregnancy. We considered the family names still available to us that we liked, and we kept returning to “John,” … Continue reading What’s in a name, part 2 →

Even better than expected – part 3

Note: This is the third in a series on the unexpected twists and turns of my career. If you didn’t see part 1, go back now and catch up on part one and part two. Transitions are never easy, especially when you believe you are following a calling. When I interviewed with CBF, then national … Continue reading Even better than expected – part 3 →

Even better than expected – part 2

Note: This is the second in a series on the unexpected twists and turns of my career. If you didn't see part 1, go back now and catch up at https://newsouthessays.com/2022/09/17/even-better-than-expected-part-1/. Learning the ropes of public relations from Ben McDade reinvigorated my career. Getting home before 6 p.m. every day reinvigorated my relationship with Carla. … Continue reading Even better than expected – part 2 →

Even better than expected – part 1

My life is full and has surpassed my highest expectations in profound ways. Carla is a beautiful person who chooses to share life with me through mundane, jubilant, and challenging times. Barron is a creative, goal-oriented and industrious son who shows gratitude and kindness. Harris is bright, engaging and is committing himself to a life … Continue reading Even better than expected – part 1 →

Putting the ‘grand’ in grandparents

I was blessed to know three of my four grandparents well. Minnie Ruth Elrod, my mom’s mother, whom we called Maw Maw, was always a part of my life. We had frequent visits with her when we all lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She eventually followed us to Lake Wales, Fla., and moved in … Continue reading Putting the ‘grand’ in grandparents →

Back in my day

Hindsight and adulthood have altered my perspective, but when I reflect on my childhood, my daily activities offer clues about what life was like. Here are a few snapshots of growing up in suburban Dallas-Fort Worth in the 1970s and ‘80s: Rocking that '70s bowl cut, turtleneck and jacket, I have always been a fashionable … Continue reading Back in my day →

Freshman memories still fresh

Judging by what I see from my friends on social media, we are in the season of sending our kids off to college. This year marks the fourth August we have experienced this, and next year we'll go through the exercise with two kids. But whether this is the first time or a repeat experience, … Continue reading Freshman memories still fresh →

Like mother, like son

As I progress through my 50s, I can see the source of my personality and character with greater clarity. I was blessed to have good role models in both of my parents throughout my life, and I have tried to exhibit Mom's and Dad's best qualities. I credit Mom with my strength, determination, unselfishness and … Continue reading Like mother, like son →

Mom and math

Throughout my formative school-age years, my mother was very engaged in my academic career. She expected her three boys to make all A’s and excel in everything we put our minds to. A mathematician, she worked to ensure that we take the highest levels of math available to us, believing that the knowledge and the … Continue reading Mom and math →

Glory days

Our middle son, Harris, started his senior year of high school this week. We joke all the time about how sad it would be if high school really did turn out to be a person's "glory days." He's looking forward to a good senior year, but he's also hopeful about college, graduate school, starting his … Continue reading Glory days →