Homefolks U.S.A.
Columnists, COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT, Opinion
 By  Staff Reports Published 
11:21 am Friday, March 20, 2020

Homefolks U.S.A.

Hi folks,

Today I heard a person make the remark that the health scare folks are experiencing today also happened many years ago when the polio epidemic hit our country.

That’s probably true. We know many people from right here in our county that contracted polio. Some cases were more severe than others.

The polio scare soon passed when the Salk vaccine invented by Dr. Jonas Salk was developed. Let us all hope and pray a cure will soon be available for the coronavirus as well.

So far no cases have been reported in Franklin County, but a lot of safety precautions are being made available.

The scare has brought out the selfish side of a lot of people. When folks will buy more than they can possibly use, it really shows their lack of respect for the person that really needs food and other products to help get them through these difficult times.

As a small boy in Rockwood, I can remember our neighbor Janet Gentle, who spent her life in an Iron Lung because she had contracted polio. She lived several years in Rockwood before moving to Birmingham.

When she passed away, the family was living in California.

Her sister Lillie also had polio, a mild case. Lillie went on to become a Hollywood star and starred in several movies.

The last report I heard, she was in a wheelchair, and the polio had taken a toll on her life in her late years.

With all the precautions our country is putting in place, maybe this terrible virus will be cured in the early stage. I hope and trust we will look to the Creator and ask for his guidance during this time in our country.

The sheep are animals that need guidance. They are always very nervous, afraid, and they see danger in everything they do. They have to have a shepherd to keep them in line.

Most all of us are like sheep, but the important thing we need to realize is, we have a shepherd who loves us and will see us through this difficult time.

We are told in the Bible, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal this land.” –II Chron. 7:14.

Let’s keep the faith.  It’s gonna be OK.

Til next time,

Your friend,

Bobby


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Wash your hands and say a prayer. Jesus and germs are everywhere!

Also on Franklin County Times
Scientist connects classwork to careers
Main, Z - News Main
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 31, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Middle school students recently got a hands-on look at how classroom lessons connect to real-world careers during a visit from an Aubur...
Fire department searches records to find its history
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
By Addi Broadfoot For the FCT 
December 31, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — The Phil Campbell Volunteer Fire Department is digging into its past as it works to confirm when the town’s first fire service was off...
Club ends year with giving, reflection
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
December 31, 2025
The GFWC Book Lovers Club came together at the beautifully decorated home of Patricia and Don Cox for its final meeting of the year, celebrating the s...
A December revolt for change
Columnists, Opinion
December 31, 2025
Imagine going to visit a relative in another country and discovering they had things that your own country did not. Not only were goods available for ...
Hidden treasures hang on Christmas tree
News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 31, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — For Jam Lee TePoel Saarinen and her husband, Jeff Saarinen, some of the most meaningful Christmas gifts are not found under the tree b...
Anglers hold first outreach effort
Franklin County, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 31, 2025
R U S S E L L V I L L E — Franklin County Anglers delivered holiday stockings to residents at Arabella Health and Wellness as part of their first comm...
Thigpens win garden club lighting contest
News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 31, 2025
RED BAY — A climbing ivy “Christmas tree,” decorated with ornaments and carolers from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” runs along the side of Wesley and D...
Turning hair loss into hope for kids
News
Chelsea Retherford For the FCT 
December 31, 2025
When Harper Berryhill began to lose her hair during chemotherapy, she was reminded that she was not facing her diagnosis alone. In a gesture rooted in...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *