Dear Editor,

My family and I recently traveled from Tennessee back to Rock Port after the death of my grandmother, Donna Shineflew. During this trip I drove my children around to see the places I used to visit as a child: my other grandparents’ home on Main Street, the house on Market Street where my mother was raised, the home of my great-grandparents on First Street, the field where my dad played football and jumped hurdles, the old Dairy Sweet, the spot where the movie theater used to be . . . you get the picture.

When we pulled up to the jail I was telling my 6-year-old about the great-grandparents I never met – Sheriff Joe Gaines, Sr. and his wife, Martha Bradley Gaines – and their time living there. Outside the building was Stick and, after I explained to him I was taking pictures of the office because of my family history, he offered us a tour as there was no one in jail. I’ve never been inside and I was so thankful he was willing to show us that kindness.

Documented several times in newspapers was the incredible way Nanny thwarted jailbreaks. Family stories also suggest she was such a great cook there were people who were intentionally arrested at the holidays. I can’t put into words how much being in that house, seeing living quarters and standing in her kitchen, meant to me.

Afterward we walked over to the courthouse and my son, who was missing Halloween parties at school that day, basically went trick-or-treating with the wonderful ladies in the offices who happened to be in costume.

I wanted to publicly thank everyone for a little bit of joy in the midst of what was a sad occasion. I don’t know when we’ll get back to Rock Port again and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to see a few things I hadn’t previously had the opportunity to.

Echo Day, Covington, Tennessee