Be careful, little tongue, what you say

As I think back, I remember times when I spoke of things, which in someone’s opinion, maybe I should have kept quiet. Sorry if I offended anyone!

My mother often told me, “You should think before you speak.” Believe me when I say I really do try, but sometimes that is hard for me to do, especially since I had my brain surgery. I thank God and my surgeons for the ability to think at all! I still chuckle when I think about how after surgery, my late husband, Dock Champion, was told by my surgeon that I was still going to be all right; he hugged the doctor instantaneously. We often laughed about that and said, “I wonder what the surgeon thought when that big, black, 6 ft., 270 lb.-plus man surprisingly gave him a hug?” I guess the fact that he was neatly dressed in a suit and tie, with the scent of Aramis, was a little bit consoling ... but then wolves really do come in sheep’s clothing.

We do live in a country where everyone is guaranteed freedom of speech. This freedom does not mean we have a right to infringe on the rights of others; so to that extent, we must be careful! But still, can’t I say how I feel about things as long as I don’t attach names and make it personal?

I want to talk about some of our young men (mostly teenagers) wearing their pants big until they almost fall off. They look so ugly, vulgar and disrespectful. Then, when I think about the whole story, I tell myself, or at least it comes to mind ... Those children have no money with which to purchase those too-large clothes. Someone provides the money to buy waist sizes to fit hips, and lengths for people much taller than what they are. Now when it comes to belts, they are either missing or just need tightening. You would think they’re wearing “hand me downs,” with no ability to get alterations.

Guess what? I am known for telling guys to “pull up your pants,” or asking, “Do you need me to get you a belt?” If I don’t have any money, I figure my friends over at Wells and Welch will let me buy one on credit, and pay for it over time.

One day, as I rode down one of the streets uptown, I actually met a group of guys walking in the road who looked as if they should have been in school. I immediately thought about Mrs. Ethel Helms and how she would have investigated, and required someone to rectify the situation which caused them to be roaming the streets, during school hours, on a school day. One of the guys was wearing his pants “so low,” that I wanted to call 911. I would have called except I had forgotten my cell.

That brings another subject to mind, which I can’t seem to remember: “That cell phone!”

We adults must assume responsibility for watching our children do wrong and not explaining why we’re correcting them.

If you see any of my extended family members “sagging,” please feel free to say “Pull up your pants!” Or call me! I hope they comply.

Edna Baker-Champion

Buena Vista