The Gingerbread Boy

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”

— J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

One of the most enjoyable things about being the husband of a teacher is helping your wife with her craft projects and preparations for her students. Sometimes the payoff can be truly enjoyable – especially around the holidays. No, I’m not talking about seeing the smiles on all the faces of the little children in her class; I’m talking about the cookies and goodies she makes for them. I get all the “crispy” ones or the ones that “just didn’t turn out right”.

One of my favorite lessons that she used to teach was called “The Story of the Gingerbread Boy”. The story is basically about a teacher baking gingerbread cookies, the cookie does not want to be baked, so he runs away and the rest is about his adventures.

Each year the teacher asks friends and relatives of the students from around the country to send postcards of where they have “seen the gingerbread boy”. The teacher uses the postcards as a way of teaching geography and other interesting lessons in a fun and whimsical way.

My favorite part is when the story ends with every one getting fresh gingerbread cookies and milk!

They still teach this lesson every year at Rebekah’s first school, Presbyterian Day School in Cleveland, MS. I have a cousin with a son in Mrs. Berryhill's first grade class, so as a way to help; I sent this poem about Jones County. I hope you like it.

To: Mrs. Berryhill's first grade class:

I saw the Gingerbread Boy in Laurel, MS just today;

He was hoping on an Amtrak and rushing away!

From New Orleans to Chicago or points in between,
oh, there are so many sites that have yet to be seen!

He came here on a whim to have a look around; 
once he got here he could not believe all that he found.

The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, the first in the State,
Landrum’s Country Homestead and Village, the hospitality was great!

The Veterans Museum, Deason Home and Space Tag too,
He never thought in Jones County there would be so much to do!

He spent time at Laurel High School “Between the Bricks”; 
He ventured down to Jones County Junior College where he learned some new tricks!

There were so many places that he wanted to explore,
Sanderson Farms, Masonite, and to hear those GE Aviation engines roar!

The parks, historic homes, Sportsplex, and natatorium,
He didn’t realize in little Jones County, Mississippi there would be so much for him!

“I must come back”, I heard him say, 
as the train whistle blew and prepared to rush him away.

I called out to him as we waved farewell, 
“next time you travel down Interstate 59 just give me a yell!”

“I’ll take you around, and show you much more, 
our industry, our history, our heritage – there’s lots to adore!”

“You have only scratched the surface on this quick little trip,
Please come back to join us the next time you’re in South Mississip’”

We are happy to welcome you and any who are willing, 
‘cause as we like to say, “Jones County, Now this is living!”

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I hope you’ve gotten to spend some time with family and friends over this Thanksgiving holiday. Right now is the most wonderful part of the year. I love Thanksgiving and CHRISTmas time when friends and family, loved ones and neighbors can all come together to be thankful for all the things in their lives. We have a lot to be thankful for in Jones County. Take some time to share the things you are thankful for with others. I know that if you do, you will be glad you did and our community will be better off because of it! Happy Thanksgiving and Merry CHRISTmas to you all!

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* This article was originally printed in the Sunday, December 1, 2013 issue of The Chronicle's"Planting Seeds" column.