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The screen was filled with a photo of a beautiful, healthy, Joey Feek. As I looked at her smiling face, the tears began to fall. Many more tears would fall over the next hour and a half as I watched her transform into a frail woman dying of cancer but treasuring every moment of the life she had left to live.
The story of Joey’s life and death is one of faith. A strong, unwavering faith that carried her through the news that the cancer she thought was gone was back and then the news that the chemo was not stopping the cancer from growing.

The documentary, “To Joey, With Love,” played in sold-out theaters across the country on Sept. 20. It was to be a one-night only event but ticket sales went so well that a second night, Oct. 6, was added.

My mother, sister and I went to the Sept. 20 showing at Ovation Cinemas in Athens. Ticket sales are already available online for the Oct. 6 show.
It’s well worth going to see this amazing documentary. Joey’s story is, of course, sad because you know the outcome but also inspiring as you see this woman’s strength and unwavering faith. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY
She raised seven daughters. Times were much harder in those days. They raised the food they ate. She sewed the clothes the girls wore. Everyone, even the young kids, worked in the fields picking cotton.

She had her first daughter when she was 19 years old. The last daughter came at age 42. Most all of her adult life was spent raising children.
The daughters have gone on to lead full lives and have children of their own. She raised them to have a strong Christian faith. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

Country music legend Bill Anderson ends his new autobiography with sharing how blessed he has been: “Looking back across all the years and all the miles, I realize that in spite of my battles, my trials and my losses, I have been incredibly blessed.”

After reading “Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life in Country Music,” I also feel blessed. I am thankful he shared his extraordinary 58 years in country music with the world. He has been on an amazing journey that really is unpatrolled in the industry. He continues to write songs that are topping the charts, including songs he wrote th
at were recorded by Kenny Chesney, George Strait and Brad Paisley. He also continues to tour with fans lining up for an autograph and photo with him.
The book is written in Anderson’s down-home style of speaking and you feel as if you are in the room having a conversation with him as he recalls the highlights of his career. I laughed and I cried at some of the stories and felt a connection with Anderson, as I’m sure all readers will. We haven’t lived the same life but the stories are ones that we can all identify with.

It’s hard to say my favorite story from the book. I loved all of the background on what went into the writing of some of my favorite songs. Of course, I loved every mention (and there are a lot) of Commerce. While it’s hard to pick a favorite section of the book, there is one line that I read over and over and that I find myself thinking about a lot. Anderson wrote that, “I learned a long time ago, God’s always listening, even if you’re whispering.” What an important lesson, Whisperin’ Bill. Thanks for sharing it and thanks for sharing your story.

Angela Gary is associate editor of The Jackson Herald. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.

BY ANGELA GARY

Do kids still “cruise the tracks” in Commerce? I’m thinking probably not.

When I was a teenager, it was the thing to do. Everyone headed out on Friday and Saturday nights and cruised the tracks.

We made sure our cars were shining and we took care with our outfit for the night and made sure our 80s hair was teased. It was all innocent fun and it’s really a shame it’s no longer the thing to do on the weekends. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

A short two-hour drive from North Georgia is Hendersonville, N.C., a charming mountain town with amazing scenic views, plenty of outdoor adventure, apple orchards, boutique shopping, great restaurants and quaint bed and breakfast inns. There is also a thriving cider movement with several businesses offering tastings and special events at their venues, found in the scenic mountain areas and on the streets of the thriving downtown.

Head to downtown first and stop off at the visitor’s center where you will find plenty of brochures, friendly staff to answer your questions, bathrooms and a few souvenirs. Wander around downtown, checking out the unique shops and dining options. Be sure to notice all of the one-of-a-kind bears around town that will be auctioned of Oct. 22 as part of the 14th annual Art Walk.

A must stop in the downtown area is the Curb Market, which has been in place since 1924 and where you will find local produce and hand-made items. I got some great relishes and jellies, as well as fresh vegetables and fruit. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

I remembering watching an Oprah show years ago where the topic was that everyone has a story to tell. Random people were selected from the audience and asked to share “their story.” It was interesting to see what story they selected to share about themselves.

I was reminded of this when I was going to a meeting recently and we were all asked to come prepared to share a story about ourselves. Since I’ve been writing a personal column for more than 25 years, I couldn’t think of what I could share that everyone didn’t already know. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

I pulled up into the high school parking lot for the first time on Monday to drop off a teenager. My nephew is a ninth grader and is starting the next chapter in his life. High school is such a tough time. I tried to think of some advice for him on the short ride over to the school.

What I came up with is some advice on being kind.

I told Jake to take time every day to say a kind thing to someone. Bullying and cruelty are common in schools today, especially in high schools. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

For a wonderful theater experience, head to the Aurora Theatre in downtown Lawrenceville where you will find first-class productions, free parking and plenty of dining options within walking distance.

A night at the Aurora Theatre makes for a relaxing, fun night out. It’s perfect for a date night or a night out with friends.

I went to the opening night on Thursday for “In the Heights,” which will be featured at the theater through Aug. 28. It was a great night out and I look forward to the next production at the Aurora Theatre. [Full Story »] 

BY ANGELA GARY

The frantic email came from a good friend who said she was in a “terrible situation” and needed my help.

I quickly scanned the email which said she was stranded on vacation and needed $2,000 to get home.

The email read: “Sorry for any inconvenience but I am in a terrible situation. We had to be in Philippines for a tour. The program was successful, but our journey has turned sour. We misplaced our wallets and cell phones on our way back to the hotel after we went for sightseeing. The wallet contains all the valuables we have and now our luggage is in custody of the hotel management pending when we make payment on the outstanding bills we owe. I need you to help me out with a short-term loan of $2,000 to sort our hotel bills and get my self home. I promise to refund it in full as soon as I return. I will appreciate whatever you can afford at this moment. Please, let me know if you can be of help.”

Ok, first, if this came from a good friend, I think I would know if she was in the Philippines. This friend does love to travel and she and her husband do take major trips but I think I would have know about it. She talked about their cruise to Alaska for months before they went. If they headed off to the Philippines, I was certain I would have known about it. [Full Story »]