Dear Editor and Brett Campbell,
I receive the Wednesday edition of The Newton County Appeal and always enjoy the column about Chunky by Brett Campbell and wanted to let you know.
Over 10 years ago, I immigrated legally to the US from Belgium. Seven years ago I became a proud citizen, and three years ago, I moved from Washington state to get back to my husband’s home, Chunky, Mississippi.
Before we moved here, I had heard a lot of misconceptions about the South in general and Chunky, in particular. After living here for a while, I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the Chunky community.
Here, I fell in love with a land of extraordinary beauty. Here, I feel secure and at peace. A man’s word is his bond, and honor still has a strong meaning. Here, I have met elder gentlemen like O.C. Gressett who have enough knowledge and sense to make the world go right. I respect them all so much and treasure each time they share their knowledge with me.
Here, we may be poor, but we are rich in friendship, kindness, beauty around us, and things you cannot learn in a book. Here, when tragedy strikes, the whole community will show up at your doorstep to help one way or another. Your church will surround you like a family full of love.
Here, we can drop in at a friend’s door anytime unannounced, and they will share sweet tea and food in a heartbeat. Here, we still take time to sit under the shade of a big, old tree and talk to each other. Family is important, and everyone is related one way or another because everyone keeps up with their genealogy to the 125th generation.
Here, people take time for each other and care for each other. We stand up for the flag, and men remove their hats for prayer. Women are beautiful and speak their minds with kindness. The earth is warm from the sun and rich in bounty. The Bible is taken seriously, and Sundays are for church.
And that, my friend, is life in Chunky, Mississippi.
I am blessed to have a very good husband who knew the “secret” of Chunky and wanted to get back to it. I am not related by blood to anyone, but everyone here is a part of the family of my heart.
Lydie Moulds
Chunky, MS
