Texas Our Texas

I just finished making Julie’s wedding garters which led me to some thinking…

By the 2nd grade, I knew my state bird, my state song, my state dish and knew to reverently "Remember the Alamo". Two Christmas’ ago, my Ampaw gave me a hanging, wooden sign that said, “Don’t Mess With Texas.” (If you are not familiar, this is a state slogan that is seared into Texan’s souls to not pollute the holy grounds.) The sign is dear to me not only because it was given by him but because it symbolizes a precious story about my loyalty to my home state. One summer, when I was a little girl, I was riding in the car with my Ammaw, probably making a beer or cigarette run. We drove by a state sign that again read, “Don’t Mess With Texas” and fear and shame came over me. I sat silent contemplating confession. My sweet ammaw looked over and saw tears in my eyes. She asked me what the matter was, and I burst out with guilt, “Ammaw, I’ve been messing with Texas!”

If ever in me, it is now gone. I have lost my Texas pride. Nevertheless, I spur others on that hold true to the Lone Star State, and may she treat you sweetly.