FRESH - APRIL 2022

®

FRESH

april 2022 DoSouthMagazine.com

02

april

Contents 04 18 54

Letter from Catherine Profile Series: Realtors

10

On a Sneeze and a Wheeze!

{ T R AV E L }

48

Berry Pickin’ in the Natural State

Special Feature: Healthcare Specialties

{COMMUNITY}

09 12 14 15 16

{HEALTH}

{ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT}

06 08

What’s New: April Events Book Review: The Nineties

{TASTE}

42 46

Strawberry Cheesecake Tart Strawberry Gin Fizz

Shop Local Project Zero Connected to Play A Centennial Homecoming Our Community Cares: The Guidance Center

{PEOPLE}

26 30 34 38

Brave Little Lion Heart

{FICTION}

50

Love in the Rough

On Hummingbird’s Wings The American Dream

OUR COVER

Lost and Found - The Finale

Image Credit: Justus Menke

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04

Letter from Catherine

H

SPRUNG

Has spring sprung? As I write this, it’s a warm seventy-five degrees outside, but tomorrow we dip down into the thirties. There is

one thing you can always count on and that is the uncertainty of Arkansas weather – yet there’s no place I’d rather be!

Hopefully the weather cooperates so color can return to my flowerbeds, and I can get my

hands in the soil and plants in the garden, then hope and pray I can keep them all thriving.

Can you tell I am ready for spring? It’s a time of renewal and rebirth!

The pages in this issue are bound together with stories of renewal and faith. Fort Smith native, Kelly Stuckey, shares her journey of grief and joy, her steadfast faith, and her hopes for her and her son Everett’s bright futures. We’re also sharing the story of Michelle and Hailey Hadley, a dynamic mother-daughter duo who took a leap of faith and opened Hummingbird Boutique, a local shop that encompasses faith, hope and love.

You’ll also find the story of Dr. Quyen Ha, a local physician who has written a book detailing his harrowing journey to escape Vietnam to come to America in search of a better life. And

APRIL 2022 OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR Catherine Frederick COPY EDITING Charity Chambers GRAPHIC DESIGN Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jade Graves, Dwain Hebda CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenny Boulden, Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Sara Putman, Liesel Schmidt ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500 catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

finally, the much-anticipated finale to the Jimmy McGill story. Discover how he once was an addict in state prison and today is employed in a state position, which he credits to his faith in God and those who had faith in him even when he couldn’t find it in himself.

No issue of Do South® would be complete without a few recipes! If you love strawberries, we’ve got you covered with recipes for a delicious strawberry cheesecake tart and a strawberry gin fizz cocktail, plus a list of the best u-pick berry farms from around the state!

Get out and pick some berries, get your hands in the dirt. Have faith that warmer days are here to stay and all things dreary are ready to burst with color. Happy spring, y’all – see you in May!

Catherine Frederick

Owner/Publisher/Editor catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

FOLLOW US ©2022 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner. Opinions contained in Do South ® are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence, including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South ® reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893

Annual subscriptions are $36 (12 months), within the contiguous United States.

Subscribe at DoSouthMagazine.com or via mail, 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110, Fort Smith, AR, 72903. Single issues available upon request. Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

To reserve this free space for your charitable nonprofit organization, email: catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

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06

entertainment

FOLLOW US Send comments and suggestions and advertising inquiries to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE

DOSOUTHMAG

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

APRIL EVENTS April 1 – 2 — The Spring Market Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) Research Institute, Fort Smith Shop ‘til you drop and support Junior League’s mission to assist local foster youth aging out of the foster care system. VIP party on April 1, general admission on April 2. Free photos with the Easter Bunny, delicious food, unique shops, silent auction, and more.

April 4 – 5 — Dinosaur Adventure Fort Smith Convention Center, Fort Smith It’s a one-of-a-kind exhibit featuring realistic, life-sized dinosaurs that come alive with their life-like movement and roars. The whole family will also be amused, and children of all ages will enjoy a variety of activities.

April 9 — Airedale Car & Craft Show Alma High School, Alma Enjoy a family-friendly day filled with car shows, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, a DJ and much more! The kids’ area includes FREE activities, bounce arounds & pony rides, as well as a dunk tank!

April 22 — Best Night of the Year: An Evening with the Bellamy Brothers Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center, Fort Smith Join the fun as Good Samaritan Clinic presents an evening with the Bellamy Brothers. You'll enjoy great live music, fantastic food, mechanical bull riding, and a silent auction all to support the mission of Good Samaritan Clinic.

April 30 — Manes & Miracles Raise the Barn 5K & 10K Run Forefront Church, Fianna Hills, Fort Smith This is an ISATF-certified racecourse chip timed by JayMax Race Timing. Not a runner? Choose the breakfast option! There are options to run/walk a 5 or 10K, even a virtual race option for those who can’t make it. Pre-register by April 16 for a race t-shirt!

Send comments, suggestions and advertising inquiries to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

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08

entertainment

THE N IN ET IES

by Chuck Klosterman

WORDS Sara Putman, owner Bookish, visit bookishfs.com

I

If you are a history lover, Klosterman’s

way we schedule our time, but in

newest soiree into the decade that

how we understand one another, “In

positioned itself between the fall of

the pre-Google world, the internet

the Berlin Wall and the collapse of

changed the way we thought about

the Twin Towers will scratch that

computers and communication. In

contemporary history itch. This deep

the post-Google world, the internet

dive into pop culture will do more

changed the way people thought

than simply regurgitate facts, it will

about life.”

send you on a Google spiral for days.

Klosterman’s analysis is a splash of

The 90’s brought about a revolution

Clearly Canadian for your nostalgic

in the human condition we’re still

heart, and for the first time for a huge

grappling to understand. He reminds

swath of our population, readers will

us how “pop culture accelerated

get a thoughtful and reflective analysis

without the aid of a machine that

of lived-in history. Klosterman’s The

remembered everything.” There was

Nineties will uncover exactly why we

an odd comfort in never being certain

loved what we loved and how it got us where we are today.

about anything or discussing Seinfeld or Friends around the water cooler every Friday morning. On a 90’s Thursday

Klosterman argues that there were wholesale shifts in how

night, more people watched any random episode of Seinfeld

society was perceived then versus now. Think about it, in 1995,

than the finale of Game of Thrones. But nobody thought

if you were expecting a phone call, you had to sit at home

that was important; if you missed it, you simply missed it. It

and wait for the landline to ring. Just five years later, Nokia

was the last era that held to the idea of a true, hegemonic

launched a portable phone and eleven million people owned

mainstream before it all began to fracture, whether you

one. Today, it seems unheard of that the postal service and

found a home in it or defined yourself against it – hence the

landline telephones were enough to perpetuate society.

rise of grunge, the fear of selling out, and Independent Party political candidates.

And then there was the Internet which spent most of the decade preparing us for its coming. Who can remember

Klosterman takes us on a time warp through it all: the film,

the day the Internet arrived at your house? Was it a huge

music, sports, TV, politics, changes regarding race, class,

ordeal with fanfare and celebration? Not for me. It just…

and sexuality. Only in a Klosterman book would you see a

appeared. These gradual, yet sudden changes proved to be

sentence like, “The video for ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ was more

more dramatic than most Gen Xers might admit, and these

consequential than the reunification of Germany,” and it

changes and cultural shifts are exactly what Klosterman

makes complete sense. This multi-dimensional work is wicked

unpacks throughout. These shifts upended not only in the

smart and completely delightful.

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Rain or Shine

shop

words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone you love, the weather is always right for shopping local!

Hearts On Fire, Charmed V Stud Earrings, .17cts., Available in 18kt.

Yellow, White and Rose Gold

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

Sugarlands Shine Moonshine in Blockader’s Blackberry, Cole Swindell’s Pre-Show Punch, Blueberry Muffin, Pina Colada, and Chipper Jones’ Sweet Tea

IN GOOD SPIRITS

Perfectdry Lux Dryer Dries and Cleans Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants in Just Thirty Minutes

CENTER FOR HEARING 479.785.3277

479.434.6604

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc, Bellini Cipriani, Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Mini’s, Rabbit Hole Cavehill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Eyewear by Krewe

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY

479.783.8013

479.452.2020

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

09

10

health

On a Sneeze and a Wheeze!

WORDS Kendall Wagner, M.D., Chaffee Crossing Clinic Image sumroeng chinnatan/Shutterstock

Last month we discussed allergies

and the

young children, one may see repetitive and difficult-to-treat

impact they can have on quality of life and productivity. This

upper respiratory infections. One of the earliest clues to the

month, we focus on a related topic that affects millions of

presence of asthma is repetitive nighttime cough occurring

pediatric and young adult patients in the U.S. and like allergic

more than two nights per week. This is especially true

rhinitis, spring and summer often brings an uptick in the

when the cough is not associated with other viral or allergy

symptoms experienced. Asthma is a chronic inflammation of

symptoms. Additionally, school-aged children show signs of

the lungs’ airways resulting in chronic cough and intermittent

tiring sooner than their peers with physical activity or acute

episodes of chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of

attacks of shortness of breath and wheezing associated with

breath often exacerbated by physical activity or seasonal

physical activity. Depending on the severity, exacerbations

allergies. Approximately 8.3 million Americans suffer from

may result in such severe limitation in airway movement that

asthma. While the prevalence is higher in children than

the patient requires a trip to the ER for supplemental oxygen

adults, asthma is a chronic illness without a cure, but can be

and delivery of medication via “breathing treatments.” In

managed effectivity with the right treatment.

the most severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Asthma usually presents in childhood with recurrent

Asthma is one of three atopic diseases composed of asthma,

wheezing episodes. These episodes may be preceded by a

allergies, and atopic dermatitis (eczema). These conditions

viral or allergen trigger, resulting in severe coughing and

arise when otherwise normal immune cells are in overdrive

difficulty moving air in and out of the lungs. In infants and

and trigger an inflammatory condition in the patient. The

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

health

inflammation in asthma results in narrowing of small to

used in special cases as add-on therapies. Finally, a new class

medium-size airways, leading to increased airway resistance.

of medications known as “biologics” is being used to manage

This increased resistance makes it harder for air to move in

those with severe forms of asthma. These medications modulate

and out of the lungs resulting in the symptom of shortness

the immune system and may require monitoring with blood

of breath. Patients with asthma may also experience sudden

tests. While most patients with asthma can be managed by their

narrowing of the airway, known as airway hyper-reactivity,

primary care physician, the “biologic” medications are usually

in response to allergens, physical activity, or even cold air,

prescribed by a specialist such as an allergy-immunologist or

resulting in an “asthma attack.” Wheezing is the clinical sign

pulmonologist.

detected, usually with a stethoscope, as the air attempts to move through narrowed airways. The best example is trying

In addition to medication management, lifestyle modification

to suck air through a pinched straw. The narrower the straw

may be necessary. Because asthma may be triggered by

becomes, the harder it is to draw air through the straw into

allergens, management may include reduction in exposure to

the lungs. Additionally, a whistling sound is made as the air

pet dander, pollen, ragweed, or dust mites. Tobacco smoke

becomes turbulent in the narrow airway creating a wheeze.

and other air pollutants may be potent triggers of asthmatic disease. Additionally, extreme weather conditions can also

The diagnosis of asthma in young children is usually based

contribute to exacerbations of asthma. Allergy shots may be

on the symptoms detailed above. However, in older children,

used in individuals with frequent asthma flairs that can be

adolescents, and adults, the physician may use a lung function

linked to certain allergic triggers such as grass or tree pollen

test to measure the amount of airway obstruction occurring

that are unavoidable.

in the lungs’ airways. This test can both aid in diagnosis and assessment of the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy.

A key takeaway is early and compliant treatment of asthma

Furthermore, the physician may use rating scales of symptoms

can greatly reduce symptoms and can normalize lung function

to help adjust treatment or gauge effectiveness. Effectiveness

by reducing the underlying inflammation in the airway. Asthma

can be gauged by how often a patient needs to use a

is hereditary, so if there is a family history of asthma, discuss

rescue inhaler (albuterol) or how many nights per week they

your risk with your primary care physician. If your physician

experience nighttime cough.

has diagnosed you with asthma, it is important to take your medications as prescribed, even when your symptoms are mild

Treatment is focused on two approaches: immediate relief of

or appear absent. Left untreated, chronic inflammation of the

shortness of breath and long-term management of inflammation

airway can lead to scarring of the lung. Once this scarring has

resulting in airway narrowing. Short-term relief is accomplished

occurred, it is not reversible with asthma treatments. Such

through a short-acting bronchodilator called albuterol. This

scarring may lead to permanent narrowing of the airway

medication helps to relax the airways, especially during periods

resulting in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a

of hyper-reactivity or “asthma attack.” Patients with very

much more difficult to manage condition.

infrequent symptoms or asthma symptoms only with exercise may only require treatment with albuterol. For most patients however, treatment is based on the daily use of inhaled corticosteroids such as Flovent, Pulmicort, and QVAR. These medications target the underlying inflammation of the airways slowly resulting in improved airflow over time. Certain oral medications such as Singulair and Prednisolone may be

Kendall Wagner, M.D. is a regular healthcare contributor to Do South® Magazine.

Chaffee Crossing Clinic 11300 Roberts Boulevard, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.242.5910 | chaffeecrossingclinic.com

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

11

12

community

BRAEDYN 'BRADY' AND SAVANNA AGEs 16 & 17 These kids really caught our

hearts a

certain way and we’re some of their biggest fans!

Savanna and her brother Braedyn, or Brady as he

IMAGE courtesy Jon Yoder Photography

likes to be called, are such a fun, happy sibling group with so many interests. We admire Savanna’s spirit and her willingness to put herself out there and be open to new experiences and adventures.

She loves expressing herself through art, and she really enjoys the mental challenge of solving puzzles. And how many teens do you know who love to help others by cleaning and organizing?

Younger brother Brady loves being outdoors, taking walks, and playing with dogs. Having a pet is a big “wish list” item for both Savanna and Brady. Savanna doesn’t feel especially comfortable in small spaces and she’s not a fan of big crowds, while Brady can be a little too trusting and giving with others, which can lead to him being taken advantage of at times. Both siblings need a family to help them continue to grow and try new things within a set of consistent, clear boundaries. Their potential is limitless, folks…they just need you to lift them up!

In partnership with Project Zero and the Arkansas Heart Gallery, each month Do South® will feature a waiting child, or sibling group, in foster care in Arkansas. To inquire about these incredible children, please visit theprojectzero.org.

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14

community

CONNECTED TO PLAY

words Catherine Frederick with Community Connections image courtesy Heli Mistry

siblings, too!) can bowl in a safe environment. Volunteers are there to assist when needed, but mostly, to be bowling buddies to the participants.

Beginning April 24, Community Connections and Abstract Dance Company will offer a weekly inclusive dance program for children and youth ages seven to eighteen. One family member (parent or sibling) or a friend is needed to be the dance partner for child/youth for the duration of rehearsals with a recital in June.

In

partnership

with

Rise

Counseling

and

Diagnostics,

Community Connections offers a teen/young adult (ages thirteen to twenty-five) support group via Zoom on Tuesdays.

IN 2005, TODD AND AMY DENTON ,

owners of Pediatrics Plus

This program focuses on self-esteem, managing emotions and

Therapy Services, along with staff members, saw that many

thoughts, and building communication through virtual games

children with disabilities did not have the opportunity to

and lots of socializing.

play sports and participate in the arts like their siblings and peers. Recognizing this need, Community Connections, a

For those of all ages who love to fish, don’t miss the Family

501 C3 nonprofit organization, was created to provide extra-

Fishing Derby for kids through adults with special needs and

curricular activities for children with disabilities as well as

their family and friends on April 9! Community Connections

support for their families.

has partnered with The Arc of Fort Smith to host the derby at Carol Ann Cross Park, in Fort Smith. Lunch is provided,

While most of Community Connections’ activities are geared

however, if participants have special dietary needs, they are

toward special needs children ages five to eighteen, some

encouraged to bring their own picnic lunch. Fishing equipment

programs start as young as age three and go to age twenty-

will be provided for those who do not have their own.

five. One of the great aspects of Community Connections is that it is family centered. There are parent/caregiver virtual

All Community Connections' events are free due to the

support groups, family events, and lots of different in-person

generosity of their supporters, but participants must register

sport and arts programs. Siblings can attend the Community

online. In addition to current programs, sports camps will

Connections programs, too!

be offered soon! Programs for soccer, STEM, as well as additional family events like an evening out at a water park

Community Connections first launched in the River Valley in

and an arcade this summer are in the works. Ideas and

2021 and programs now include bowling, dance, teen and

suggestions for future programming are always welcome!

young adult support groups, and a family fishing derby!

Community Connections is proud to partner with Arkansas

Community Connections' programs are run by volunteers,

Colleges of Health Education to offer a free bowling program

and more are always needed, and welcomed. You do not

on Monday nights at Bowling World in Fort Smith. Children

have to be an expert in the sport, music or the arts. The only

and youth with special needs ages five to eighteen (and

requirement is that you have a heart for kids!

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community

A Centennial Homecoming words and images courtesy First United Methodist Church

On April 30 and May 1, First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith will be celebrating a Centennial Homecoming. The church will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the sanctuary and a homecoming as the church celebrates its life and ministry after the COVID-19 pandemic of the last two years.

With the abandonment of Harrell Chapel in 1886, the congregation of 239 met above a store in the 700 block of Garrison Avenue. At that time, the population of Fort Smith was about five thousand people and houses were being built as far out FSFUMC 1925

as 14th Street. The congregation soon knew it had to build a new church, but for some, Fifth Street was too far downtown and for others, 13th Street too far out.

After more than a year in Adler Hall, the “downtowners” and the “uptowners” were not able to agree on a location. The congregation was evenly divided, so they decided to form two churches. The “downtowners” became First Methodist Episcopal Church South and the “uptowners” became Central Methodist Episcopal Church South. First Church was built at North 7th and A Streets, and Central was built at North 13th and B Streets.

By 1914, both had outgrown their buildings and the reason for separating was no

FSFUMC Today

longer an issue, so they decided to merge. In July of 1916, the boards of the two churches, which now had one thousand two hundred members, met at the Carnegie Library to discuss the need for better church, Sunday school facilities, and equipment. The First Church building at 7th and A Streets was sold to the Salvation Army and the proceeds were placed in the construction account.

The 1918 pandemic delayed the church plans, but in 1919 property was purchased at North 15th and B Streets. With a budget of $100,000, construction was begun on a sanctuary and an education building, designed by architect R. H. Hunt from Dallas, Texas. However, due to increases in the cost of building

FSFUMC 1955

supplies, the sanctuary cost $175,000, the church did not have the funds to build the education building.

On May 15, 1921, the first service was held in the new sanctuary. A century later, due to another pandemic, the Centennial Homecoming had to be delayed until May 1, 2022. The celebration will consist of an old-fashioned picnic and a music program on Saturday, April 30. There will also be activities for children.

On Sunday, May 1, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, the past president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, will deliver the message followed by a luncheon in the Family Life Center. All former members and families, as well

FSFUMC Sanctuary

as the public, are welcome and invited to this celebration. Visit the church website, fsfumc.org, or call 479.782.5068 for detailed information.

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16

community

Our Community Cares words Catherine Frederick with Rusti Holwick, CEO, The Guidance Center

DS: Tell us about some of the services you offer.

TGC: We offer outpatient individual, group and family therapy, case management, school-based, and addiction services. We can also provide psychological testing.

The Guidance Center’s goal is to contribute positively to making our communities healthier and to provide holistic care to persons who need hope, recovery, and a path to wellness. To this end, we have various programs and services for adults, which include the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), 5 West Crisis Stabilization Unit, NEW Beginnings Adult Day Treatment, Drug Alcohol Safety Education Program (DASEP), and Intensive Day Treatment (IDT). In addition, our programs for children and adolescents include Western Arkansas Therapeutic Children’s Homes (WATCH), which is therapeutic foster care. Also serving youth in foster care, The Fostering Change Program and Residential Care at Robin’s House are home-like group treatment centers. Addiction services include Medication-Assisted Treatment for opioid addiction. Finally, our new primary care clinic offers holistic care for physical

The Guidance Center (also known

health. We are here to help heal the whole you—body and mind.

as Western Arkansas Counseling & Guidance Center) opened its doors

DS: How can clients pay for these services?

fifty years ago to provide quality

TGC: The Guidance Center serves all clients regardless of their ability to pay.

services for men, women, and youth

We accept Arkansas Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance (policy permitting),

suffering from mental, emotional,

and self-pay. The Guidance Center offers discounts for essential services

and substance use disorders. They

depending upon your family size and income. Some clients who cannot pay

are a nonprofit community behavioral

may come in our door seeking help and have no insurance. In this situation,

healthcare provider serving the counties

we help fill out the paperwork to get them enrolled into a healthcare plan.

of Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Polk,

There shouldn’t be any financial barriers preventing someone who needs our

Sebastian, and Scott in western Arkansas.

help from getting it.

Fort Smith, Van Buren, Ozark, Booneville, Paris, Waldron, Mena Emergency After-Hours Crisis Line: 1.800.542.1031 Main Line: 479.452.6650 Non-Emergency Warm Line: 479.452.6655 wacgc.org

DS: Tell us what you see ahead for TGC.

TGC: Our growth is always a result of meeting the needs of the communities we serve. We recently expanded our capabilities to raise the bar of care by becoming an eligible Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). CCBHC is nationally known as the new Gold Standard of Care. Enhanced services such as mobile crisis, targeted case management, peer services, and many efforts to help divert people from a crisis, jail, emergency rooms, hospitalizations, and worsening health conditions. We continue to have a no-wrong-door policy and help meet people where they are in their unique situation. We are here to help people in need of hope and recovery. Our workforce is vital to us, and we are continuing to

Next month, we’ll showcase another

grow and train skilled professionals across our region.

worthy nonprofit in our area free of charge.

We will accept requests for this free page

DS: How can our community help to support The Guidance Center?

beginning in October, 2022. Send questions

TGC: Financial support from our community is welcomed and very much

to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

appreciated! If you are interested in learning more or donating to one of our various programs, please call us at 479.452.6650.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

2022 REALTOR PROFILES SPECIAL FEATURE PRESENTED BY

WORDS Dwain Hebda and Catherine Frederick some interviews have been edited for length and clarity

Do South® Magazine is proud to recognize the talents and contributions of select Realtors in our community. They set the bar for excellence and are committed to going the extra mile for their clients. Join us as we salute their incredible achievements and the passion they share for their profession.

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GHAN & COOPER COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

company specializes in selling, leasing, development and property management, spanning two generations and seventy years of

Kathleen Caldarera didn’t start out in the real estate business,

combined experience.

answering a want ad for an entry-level assistant apartment manager twelve years ago. What she may have lacked in a head

Kathleen lives up to the demands of the company’s stellar

start she more than made up for in determination and hustle,

reputation by addressing each client’s needs individually,

working her way into the role of partner with Ghan & Cooper.

leveraging her knowledge of local markets, trends and cap rates to help clients understand the metrics that maximize their return

“What sets me apart is hard work. I really pride myself on my work

on investment.

ethic,” she says. “I am also a very competitive person and I always strive to be the very best at what I do. I put that combination to

“ With each new client, I like to meet and discuss their objectives

work every day in our company. Clients can count on me to go the

to determine how our company can help meet those goals,” she

extra mile for them.”

said. “I think what sets our company apart is our clear way of communicating, our transparency and our attention to detail.

Ghan & Cooper Commercial Properties provides full-service

We help our clients manage their commercial property as if it

commercial, industrial and multi-family real estate services. The

were our own.”

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Warnock Real Estate Buying a house is one of the most exciting landmarks in the life of any family, but without the assistance of a real estate professional, it can also be a complicated and intimidating process, especially for first-timers or those who are new to a community.

For six decades, Warnock Real Estate has taken the stress and worry out of buying or selling a home, fulfilling the dreams of thousands of satisfied clients. And while the industry itself has become more and more complex, Warnock Real Estate has kept things simple by providing expertise in a manner that’s responsive and customer centered.

“Our firm has always believed in providing the best possible service and that starts with the quality of our team,” said Clif Warnock, second-generation owner and Principal Broker.

“Our team features many experienced agents and brokers, all of whom are recognized for their expertise and customer-facing skills. In fact, many of our brokers have, at one time, operated a brokerage of their own.”

Clif said a second element that differentiates Warnock Real Estate from the competition is the fact that the company only retains full-time agents and brokers. He said one of the things that forty-three years has taught him is the value of a totally committed staff.

“All our agents and brokers are full time,” he says. “ This has never been a business where one can provide the highest level of professionalism while performing it as a hobby.” Part of that service lies in supporting technology that makes it easier for clients to communicate and complete certain functions from afar. But Clif says technology can only go so far, so the company strikes a healthy balance between the convenience of digital and the impact of human connection.

“With all the technology in use today, it is common for agents to lose the ability to relate to people and their situations,” he says. “We appreciate technology, but we require our agents to work personally with clients to answer questions and counsel them through the process of buying or selling a home. Some things still best done one-on-one.”

If Clif sounds personally invested in his work, it’s because he is. He said the sterling reputation of the family business and the ability to provide career opportunities for his agents have made his time in the industry gratifying. “ To be the best, you have to be completely committed to your work and we are,” he says.

“We’re not as concerned with being the largest firm in town as we are to being the best at serving our customers.”

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Keller Williams Platinum Realty Six years ago, Keller Williams didn’t even exist in the River Valley, but it’s certainly made up for lost time since. Opening its Fort Smith office in late 2017, the company has enjoyed skyrocketing success, growing to 120 agents and breaking sales records every year.

“I’m proud of our success because of what that success represents,” says Barbie Johnson, CEO and team leader. “When our agents are successful, it means they’re consistently producing highly satisfied clients who will recommend them to family and friends. It’s the ultimate win-win.”

Keller Williams’s agents aren’t successful by accident, either. Barbie said the training, technology, tools, systems and models the company provides are second to none, giving team members everything necessary to provide their clients the best experience.

“We have training available every day,” she says. “We do that because we want our agents to be the best resources for their clients, no matter the situation. We train on how to work best with your buyers in this market, how to do an effective listing presentation, and how to know the market in 2022.”

“Agents have gained knowledge of the market from the perspective of a buyer or a seller and communicate that well. I think training is what really helps our agents sell and break records and most importantly, serve clients.”

Real estate moves with lightning speed, especially in recent years. Keller Williams harnesses technology to keep agents informed of what’s coming onto the market, allowing them to connect those listings with prospective buyers quickly.

“We provide an app branded to each agent,” Barbie says. “When the client is looking at the app and they like a house, they hit a little heart button and the agent is notified. They can reach out right then to that client to schedule a showing of that property.”

Last year, Keller Williams was able to assist 1,477 families buy, sell or find investment properties and five of the company’s agents ranked in the top ten in sales volume for 2021.

And yet, Barbie’s as proud of how her team cares for each other as she is of the bottomline numbers.

“Even though we’re large, we consider ourselves a family,” she says. “We have an incredible company culture and we’re always trying to find ways to serve our community and each other. Our agents are amazing at taking care of their clients, but they also do an amazing job taking care of one another, whether it's with a meal, helping someone move or even giving away a car! It’s hard to find that kind of work environment these days.”

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Nick & Ellie Glidewell The real estate business carries no guarantees of success. The best agents know they must continually up their game to consistently exceed their clients’ expectations if they hope to last.

That’s precisely the game plan Nick and Ellie Glidewell have subscribed to during their Realtor careers and judging from their longevity and hundreds of satisfied customers, the high-powered pair are executing their strategy to perfection.

“Staying on top in real estate means being consistent, flexible and empathetic to the needs of your clients,” Nick says. “We want our clients to know we’re here for them in good times and bad. Our goals have changed very little in these crazy last few years; our most

Glidewell "Ready To Serve You" Nick & Ellie

important goal from a business standpoint is to be highly available to people interested in buying or selling real estate.”

“We’ve had pretty good success with that approach, much better than had we let the so-called ‘market’ dictate how we do business.” This philosophy has forged the duo a rocksolid reputation in the industry, something invaluable to any real estate professional.

“One of the keys to success in any business is visibility,” Ellie says. “ The Fort Smith region has seen a lot of fluctuations in the real estate market, especially with the recent health concerns and national drama. Within all that, we’ve maintained our visibility through marketing and outreach.”

There’s also the things that can’t be taught, like the couple’s instincts which allow them to anticipate and proactively troubleshoot issues before they become all-out emergencies. “In February 2021, we had a period of very cold weather,” Nick says. “We were out doing errands and we drove past an unoccupied home we’d recently listed.

For some reason, something told us we needed to check on the house.

“It’s a good thing we did. A pipe had burst, and part of the home was filling fast with water. When we showed up, the water was still in an area with sturdy stone flooring but was headed for a large section of gorgeous wood flooring. We cancelled our errands, turned off the water, and got to work with a squeegee to save the wood floor, along with what would have been thousands in water damage.”

While most issues aren’t that dramatic, Ellie says paying attention to the smallest details goes a long way with clients. “The people we serve entrust us to professionally and conscientiously handle their properties from Day-One until Day-Done and that’s exactly what we do,” she says. “No exceptions.”

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When You’re Buying or Selling a Home,

Everything Should Revolve Around You

Buyers:

Learn about and visit only the properties that match your specific desires and budget. We’ll advise you on every move, every decision, every step of the way.

Sellers:

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Discover how simple and rewarding it is to buy or sell a home with Nick and Ellie Glidewell, Realtors who are 100% invested in your ultimate delight and satisfaction.

Call or visit:

(479) 739-6333 NickAndEllie.com

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Brave Little

LION HEART

WORDS Jenny Boulden IMAGES courtesy Kelly Stuckey

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There’s an ancient Zen saying: “The deeper sorrow cuts into your soul, the more joy you can contain.” Let it be known, Kelly Stuckey and her six-year-old son Everett have souls full of joy. But carving out that space has not been an easy journey.

In 2012, Fort Smith native Kelly Cooper married Zac Stuckey of Fayetteville. He’d proposed to her at Top of the Rock in New York City, in what Kelly says was a typically grand gesture. Zac had a deep sense of romance.

He was a graphic designer in marketing. Kelly had recently discovered her passion for cutting and styling hair. A year into their marriage, they opened Crown Beauty Bar in Fayetteville, which Kelly ran day to day, while Zac managed the marketing and business side. That salon was their first baby.

Little lion man But an actual baby was taking much longer. After three years of trying, just weeks before they were about to start fertility treatments, they conceived. “My whole pregnancy was really wonderful,” Kelly says. “Just so smooth. It couldn’t have gone better.”

Delivering the baby, however, did not go smoothly. After forty-six long hours of labor, culminating in an emergency C-section, Everett Price Stuckey came into the world. He was a beautiful, healthy baby, with a larger-than-average head that had caused her labor complications. It was the only difference anyone noticed.

Throughout the pregnancy, Kelly had been dreaming of lions, and unprompted one day, Zac had said he wanted a lion in Everett Stuckey Noah Evans

the nursery. When they discovered the name Everett meant ‘brave’ like a lion, it felt like a sign.

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“A little unusual”

The Stuckey Family

Two days later, bags packed, Kelly and Zac were waiting to take Everett home when the on-call pediatrician walked in and asked if they’d noticed that their new son looked “a little unusual.”

They immediately bristled, offended on his behalf. “I said to her, ‘What do you mean, “unusual-looking”? He’s a newborn. I think he’s kinda perfect,’” Kelly says.

The pediatrician apologized, then explained that Everett’s limbs were not quite in the usual proportions; he might have dwarfism. But the Stuckeys thought she was crazy. No one else in their family had the condition. “We thought, ‘What the heck are you talking about? No!’” Kelly says. “We knew nothing about it. We hadn’t seen any of the shows. We thought, ‘This lady is absolutely mistaken.’”

But their own pediatrician took it seriously a couple days later. He recommended they take Everett to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for a rare blood test that would confirm or rule out dwarfism.

The Stuckey Family

Five weeks later, it was confirmed: Everett was a little person.

Kelly says that after she ended the call, she sat there holding Everett and crying. “I just sat and cried and cried, because I thought, ‘This is so foreign to me. And people can be so cruel. What is his life going to be like?’” she says. “I just had to grieve all the expectations. I’m fairly tall. I was a basketball player, as was my dad. You have to let go of the visions you had, you know?”

She says that besides major health complications and risks associated with dwarfism, the stigma remains pervasive.

“Because people are obsessed with how your baby grows and how big, and what are they going to be, and what are they going to look like,” Kelly says.

When the Stuckeys began opening up to friends about Everett’s dwarfism, many people urged them to pray for healing. That struck Kelly oddly. “He was born, and I was just enamored with him,” she says. “It’s really hard to look at him and think, ‘Oh, there’s something wrong with him. He needs to be healed or fixed.’”

Zac and Everett

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Kelly struggled to reconcile her beliefs. “I know God is good

“Dr. Danielpour was wonderful in every way,” Kelly effuses.

no matter what, but I felt great pressure that my faith had to

“And I’m not kidding, his name translates to something

be big enough for him to be ‘healed’ while also accepting that

having to do with lion tamer! Coming across him, it was

Everett is perfect the way he is.”

totally a God thing.”

That perfection included the crooked smile that grew more

Another miracle: “My insurance paid for the whole thing,”

pronounced as he grew. Technically, it’s a facial palsy, but

she says, citing an insurance statement for nearly $300,000.

with his giant blue eyes and curly hair, Kelly says it’s one of

“I couldn’t believe it.”

her favorites of his features.

Crisis averted, their lives still required deep commitment to helping Everett grow while meeting his special needs,

Dancing with destiny

including ongoing physical and speech therapy.

The diagnosis meant frequent doctor visits, MRIs every three months, physical and speech therapy. The MRIs were to

They were small business owners of by then two high-traffic

monitor for spinal compression, which affects about one-in-

salons, so Zac stepped up to carry more weight for their

four children with dwarfism. Spinal fluid can build up in the

businesses as Kelly’s focus was largely consumed by Everett. At

brain, causing hydrocephalus, a condition that can lead to

Zac’s urging, in spring 2019 they bought a third business.

severe complications including brain damage.

Overwhelming grief At fifteen months old, Everett’s MRI suddenly showed spinal

Then, just two months later, tragedy struck the family.

compression. He’d need the holes at the base of his skull widened to prevent hydrocephalus. But no one in Arkansas

Sporting his best-on-the-market helmet, the morning of

had performed the needed surgery on a child with dwarfism.

July 21, 2019, Zac was riding out of their neighborhood on his powerful new BMW motorcycle. In a flash, he took

The Stuckeys found a surgeon with expertise in this area via,

a curve too hard, lost control and ran into a box truck. He

of all things, Dancing with the Stars.

was killed instantly.

“At that time, there was a little person [Terra Jolé Odmark of

It was his 41st birthday. Everett was three.

Little Women: LA] on Dancing with the Stars.” Friends urged Kelly to watch. By chance, the night Kelly watched, Terra Jolé

“Zac loved to have nice things, and he loved vehicles,” Kelly

spoke about her daughter having the same surgery. Watching

says. “But he was a new rider. He was on a big, beautiful

the Little Women series to learn more, Kelly found Dr. Moise

BMW, and he lost control. And that was all it took.”

Danielpour of Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, who was seeing several people a month with dwarfism.

Grief overwhelmed her.

A God thing

Kelly says, “We had the sweetest marriage. We actually really

They reached out to him. As soon as Danielpour read Everett’s

were best friends. We got along so well. I truly felt like we

MRI, he called the Stuckeys personally, urging them to get

were on the same page. And he was such a great dad.”

Everett to LA as soon as possible, because it was imperative he have the surgery soon.

She calls the outpouring of love and support for her and Everett from their community of friends and family “huge

The surgery was a glowing success. Because of Everett’s

and absolutely incredible.” It meant a lot. But over time, Kelly

delicate condition, the family stayed in LA almost a month

started to find even the well-meant support overwhelming.

until he was cleared to go home to Arkansas.

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She now realizes grief isn’t something that needs to be fixed.

“People just really want to help you feel better, to help make everything right,” she explains carefully. “And there are very nice, comforting things that can be done. But then there comes a point where a person just is going to be sad and miserable for a little bit. And you kinda need to let them be sad and miserable.”

The world turned upside down Soon, the small business owner, newly a widow, with a young special needs child, ran into a whole new added layer of stress: 2020. “My world was flipped upside down in July of 2019,” Kelly says. “Then, seven months later, when the whole world was flipped upside down, it was like a double whammy for me. I’d think, ‘Am I alive? Is this real life? Am I going to wake up from this?’”

During the pandemic, Kelly sold all three businesses. She and Everett moved to Bentonville, where at Everett’s new school, the director of admissions happens to be the only other little person they know locally.

The best kid in the world Asked to describe what Everett is like at six, Kelly’s voice softens, all stress leaving it. “He’s the best kid in the world, and so smart. He already reads! He’s the most sensitive and empathetic child. He looks out after people. He’s very kind.

Kelly and Everett

He’s very positive and joyful,” the proud mama shares.

Like his dad, Everett loves video games. He also has a love

in real life. “There are so many misconceptions, and they’re

of soccer; as his team’s goalie, her lion-hearted son can

often treated in less humane ways than average people,” she

contribute without having to keep up with the longer-legged

says. That term, “average,” is key. It’s the preferred term in

kids on the field.

the little people community, rather than “normal.” Kelly says, “The opposite of normal is very negative. I never want to see

Healthy, safe and loved

Everett as abnormal.”

Kelly’s finding ways to cope with the dwarfism stigma. She speaks out when she sees little people degraded online,

She’s not decided what comes next; there’s time to figure that

something they have often grown desensitized to. And she

out as she heals from the pain of loss. “My hope for us—the

tries to have compassion for those who don’t understand it.

words Everett and I use a lot—are safe, healthy and loved. I just want us to have healthy, safe relationships where we feel

What helped was realizing most people only see little people

really loved, and to have solid faith that guides us,” she says.

in Hollywood, where they’re usually mythical creatures:

“And I want him to have confidence and peace about who he

Munchkins, Oompa Loompas, Ewoks, dwarves, elves. The

is, not question how God made him or how people receive

dearth of positive, real-life portrayals means people are often

him. I want both of us to have that confidence and peace

either scared or think it’s funny when they meet little people

about who we are.”

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Hailey and Michelle Hadley

On Hummingbird 's Wings WORDS Liesel Schmidt IMAGES courtesy Michelle and Hailey Hadley

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Like all businesses created out of a personal place, Hummingbird Boutique in Fort Smith is a reflection of its owners and a message to its customers speaking hope, faith and love.

Opened in 2020 by Michelle and Hailey Hadley, Hummingbird was nothing if not a leap of faith, created by a mother and daughter who had both vision and a desire to bring something unique to their community. “Hailey had the idea to open the boutique,” Michelle notes. “She wanted to do something to share her faith and her love of fashion. Meanwhile, I had the experience in business and the desire to do something meaningful with my time and my family. Together, our idea was to offer unique gifts including faith-based merchandise, stylish clothing that is on trend but not over the top, home décor, and anything with a positive message—all for a reasonable price.” With best sellers that include an almost equal amount of clothing, gifts, and jewelry from such brands as Splendid Iris,

five feet long to display plants inside and offer shelving and

Christian Brands, Parkhill Collection, and Sympli, Hummingbird

counter space that spans the two suites. Aside from the carpentry

sells the perfect mixture of casual clothing including tee shirts,

of that front counter, we did absolutely everything ourselves! We

everyday wear, and dressy clothing, while the gift department is

even deconstructed a bar and counter that was left behind from

well stocked with books, devotionals, personal care items, home

the previous owners. The two of us plastered, sanded, painted,

décor, and plants.

stained, wallpapered, and even laid some additional floor tiles. I think we spent so much time in the space that it just became what

“At first, we thought we were going to have a small place

it needed to be: an extension of us!”

with some clothing and religious gifts,” Michelle explains. “As we fleshed out our plan and brought it to fruition, we looked

Consequently, Hummingbird is very much a labor of love—which

at many location options, which were both fortunately and

shows in every aspect of the business. And, looking at mother

unfortunately plentiful during the peak of the pandemic. We

and daughter, it seems the apple has not fallen far from the

knew how important location would be for us professionally,

tree. A serial entrepreneur, Michelle has been a business owner

but also personally, so we chose GreenPointe Shopping Center,

since the age of sixteen, when she and her now husband started

which is conveniently located in the middle of all four of my

a parking lot striping business in high school. She later owned

kids’ schools. Once we picked the location, we found a space

children’s boutique Katiebug’s while her kids were small. Now,

that was perfect for us, but it was much larger than we originally

Hailey is following in her mother’s footsteps, diving into business

planned. The extra space unexpectedly provided us quite the

ownership at the age of seventeen.

opportunity for an expansion of our product mix.”

“This is Hailey’s first rodeo in retail, but she has so many ideas,” Unexpected expansion aside, Michelle and Hailey had a very

says Michelle. “She’s incredibly passionate about this and

specific vision for décor and the type of atmosphere they hoped

working together has been a blessing. Honestly, we weren't sure

to create. “We just wanted our boutique to be a very peaceful

how it would go. Would we drive each other crazy? Disagree on

place—especially if we were going to be spending so much time

merchandise? Be able to separate mother/daughter and business

there!” Michelle says. “We knew we wanted to incorporate

partner relationships? Surprisingly, it has been better than we

nature from the very beginning, and I guess that became an

could've imagined. Sure, we don't always have great days or

underlying theme. We had a challenging layout, with two suites

agree on styles to buy. We do, however, see eye-to-eye on almost

that were only halfway open to each other, so we had to get

everything. Not only that, but we also think our differences

really creative. We even designed a front counter that is twenty-

actually make us even stronger. It took us a few months to figure

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it out, but we soon discovered that the inventory items— especially clothing—that we both agree on buying, turn out to be the best sellers. Now, we don't buy anything unless we both agree on it—even if it’s something that one of us really loves!”

Naturally, Michelle and Hailey each play their respective roles in the business, geared toward their strengths. With regards to daily operations like entering inventory into the POS system and on their website, Hailey focuses on clothing, while Michelle focuses on gifts and jewelry. Business hours worked in the shop are split evenly, as well, and Michelle handles most of the business management responsibilities, while Hailey researches new lines. Both build and place orders depending on the generation or category of merchandise.

Clearly, mother and daughter see the importance of carrying equal weight in the company and shouldering shared

Hailey

Michelle

responsibility. And, in working together, they have learned things about one another they might otherwise never have. “I’ve learned Hailey has an innate business sense,” Michelle observes.

As much as the dynamic pair consider their customers to be a

“She always wanted to be a teacher and still does, so I never

rewarding part of their work, Michelle and Hailey have found

really considered business know-how as a strength. To my

something even more invaluable. “Obviously, we were already

surprise, she understands the complexities and balance with

very close to open a business together, but the time spent

regards to decision making on both sides—as owner and as

together during this process has only further strengthened

customer. Hailey is also a very good communicator, and her

us,” says Michelle. “I think we both went into this with much

maturity and ability to see the bigger picture, at the age of

prayerful consideration and knew we would work hard, learn

seventeen, still amaze me. Don't get me wrong, she is still a

something new, do the best we can, and hope others would

teenager,” Michelle goes on with a laugh. “But she has the

enjoy what we created. The best part is we are both still

gift of kindness and empathy and can relate to almost anyone.

growing and enjoying it.”

I love watching her interact with customers and the way she sees the best in everyone. I am also impressed with her ability

“Hummingbird has helped us hold our relationship to a higher

to ‘read the room’ at such a young age.”

standard, and we have used our special bond as an advantage in our business,” Hailey adds. “We may be bickering at each

In working with her mother, Hailey has unexpectedly found

other while we are home, but once we get to work, we learn

common ground. “I’m obviously very young to be a business

how to set our frustrations aside and work together to improve

owner, and I kind of thought, since my mom is so much older

and grow our business. We know each other very well and can

than I am, she wouldn’t understand me as well as someone

count on one another. Trust is a huge thing when opening and

my age would,” Hailey admits. “But opening Hummingbird has

running a business, and my mother is one of the few people in

made me realize my mother is someone who knows me better

the world that I can completely trust one hundred percent.”

than anyone else and also someone I can relate to the most.

Our customers often make comments about how similar we are. And although we are very similar, we also have some great differences that make owning Hummingbird together amazing.

We both get to play different roles in the business, but always agree on specific decisions we make.”

Hummingbird Boutique 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 33, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.420.4008 | hummingbird-boutique-fort-smith.myshopify.com

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THE AMERICAN DREAM WORDs Dwain Hebda images courtesy Dr. Quyen Ha

The Ha Family

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There are very few things in life that can cloud Dr. Quyen

deliverance throughout the first several decades of life. It is

Ha’s sunny disposition. Talking to the Vietnamese immigrant,

those very trials, the suffering of hardship, that rounds out his

who since 2013 has practiced medicine in Fort Smith, is a

laugh as the multi-hued melody that it is. For only those who

cacophony of laughter, upbeat observations and optimism for

have tasted sorrow can know life’s full sweetness.

the future.

“I think if I hadn’t gone through things in my life, I wouldn’t It is not the voice of someone who has known only joy that

be who I am today,” he says. “I know I wouldn’t be the

you hear, however – far from it. It is a voice that has cried

physician I am today, and I would not be as successful as I am

out in longing, wept in mourning and prayed fervently for

today caring for my patients.”

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“The events that happened in my life, I always knew there could be better things waiting for me. God told me to do this, maybe; He sent me through all these struggles so one day I could be what I am today.”

It doesn’t take much to understand Quyen’s outlook, a simple read of his remarkable memoir, A Runaway Teenager Who Found Freedom, does that for you. Released last September, it tells the incredible true story of Quyen and his quest to escape the poverty and oppressive political conditions of his homeland, risking everything to live free in America.

“I just wanted to go to America,” he says. “That was one of the best decisions I made for my life and my family. One move

Quyen’s mother and his son, Peter

Dr. Quyen Ha

to America changed the whole family tree.” whenever we had extra food, Mom would always give it to the Getting here, however, was an experience as harrowing as it

less fortunate families. We had three meals a day. We were

is inspiring. Under the Communist regime that took power

able to attend school about half a day, five days a week.”

following the Vietnam War, attempting to leave the country was punishable by imprisonment and hard labor. And even

During his youth, Quyen split his time between living in the

if one eluded the authorities and the predatory smugglers

country with his father, who’d inherited a small plot of land,

of humanity who fed on people’s desperation, there was

and in the city with his mother. Passages in the book describe

the ocean to contend with. Many refugee lives were claimed

the pain of separation he felt, missing his intact family unit

before they could ever reach the promised land.

and chafing under the tyrannical Communist rule.

Such odds were daunting for the most stouthearted adult, to

“As the economy continued to spiral out of control, the

say nothing of a kid from the poorest circumstances, barely

Communist government also flexed its muscles to control

into his teens. Yet that’s exactly what Quyen took on in search

its people,” he writes. “All books, music, and literature that

of a new life for himself and his family.

were associated with the previous regime were searched and destroyed […] Every member in a home had to register with

In his book, Quyen provides a vivid portrait of life in the

the local police and ask permission to travel out of town.

postwar Vietnam slums and countryside and the desperate

Houses could be searched at any given time without probable

circumstances his parents faced to provide for their eight

cause. Curfew was imposed daily.”

children. It was a process complicated by his father being a former member of the South Vietnamese military, requiring a

Quyen’s

stint in a reeducation camp after the fall of Saigon and putting

circumstances only solidified his resolve to reach America.

additional pressure on Quyen’s mother to provide.

His first attempt landed him in prison (briefly because of his

yearning

to

reunify

his

family

under

better

age) because the transporters conspired with local authorities Still, Quyen writes of remarkable benevolence on the part of

to betray the freedom-seekers for a fee. On his second

his parents to help those around them, sharing what meager

attempt, he was just fourteen years of age.

surpluses they could.

“The boat inched its way to the border, and nothing could be “Before April 30, 1975, we were – you could say – poor, but

heard except the engine,” he writes. “I didn’t dream of the

we were content because there were many families that didn’t

open sea or freedom this time, but I prayed to God to help

have what we had,” Quyen writes. “We knew this because

us pass the border without hearing an AK-47. The anxiety

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and fear of getting caught again were unfathomable, yet the

where I was and when you didn’t go through something, you

thought of getting killed by the ocean didn’t scare me.”

can’t understand it. You cannot appreciate it.”

Quyen survived the voyage, landing for a time in a processing

“So, while I can’t really blame them for being born into such

camp in Indonesia from which the Vietnamese refugees

freedom that they can’t really appreciate how things are

planned their next move. Europe and Canada were easier

elsewhere in the world, I try to educate people. I want to be an

to get into, but Quyen stuck to his desire to one day be an

educator. I can educate that we have it great here in America.

American. Eventually he’d make it to Texas and as the second

We really do. The best country, America is it! And I love it.”

half of the book details, earned his education, reunified his family and found his vocation in medicine.

Quyen is loath to criticize others because in his experience, he’s seen the benevolence of Americans much more than

At its core, A Runaway Teenager Who Found Freedom is an

anything else. His book is filled with people who, upon

American success story, even with a native-born Vietnamese

arriving in the states, took him in, loaned or gifted him money

protagonist. It is a story that continues to unfold as Quyen

or stood by his side in times of trial. He also notes with pride

works to raise his sons to appreciate what has been built for

that he’s paid back everyone who helped him, with interest,

them in the United States.

and continues to honor their example by looking for ways to Lacey Hendrix

lift up others. That, he says, is the quintessential element of “As a father, I want to be sure that my kids don’t have to go

being an American.

through what I went through. At the same time, I want my kids to grow up to be productive citizens,” he says. “I want

“I want to give back what I have been given,” he says. “God

this because now I see my kids having so much that sometimes

told me to do this and now I want to give back to people. I

I’m afraid. I’m afraid when you have so much given to you,

do that to my patients. I see people in need. I want to help

you will stray."

them. It makes me feel good that I’m in a position where I can do that.”

“So, my dream, I guess you’d say, is I live for my kids now.

I want to take care of my kids and my wife. At the same

“I truly believe my book is about faith, love and hope and that

time, I don’t want to give them everything or they won’t be

anything is possible when you live in the greatest country in

successful. I think that’s a big challenge.”

the world. The key things in my life have been to trust in God, love your family and work hard and everything will be OK. All

In the same vein, Quyen shakes his head at the criticism and

my life I’m like that. I guess you would say that is my formula

discontent many native Americans feel toward their own

for success.”

country. He says if more people saw the U.S. through the eyes of immigrants – people stuck in third world poverty and destitution – they'd have a much better appreciation of what America still stands for in the world.

“I try not to be critical of people, but whenever a person comes to talk to me, I always tell them how good we have it here,” he says. “If they just have running water and a place

You can find Quyen Ha’s book, A Runaway Teenager Who Found Freedom, on Amazon.com.

to sleep and a toilet, they are so much richer than a billion people in the world. And I do mean that. They haven’t been to

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Jimmy McGill

LOST AND FOUND

THE JIMMY MCGILL STORY - THE FINALE Part I of The Jimmy McGill Story was featured in our March 2022 issue. If you missed it, you can read it at DoSouthMagazine.com.

WORDs Dwain Hebda images courtesy Jimmy McGill

Addiction is not a Black problem, a white problem; it’s not a gender problem. It’s a human problem. We as a people have to come together and build a better plan or we’re going to be going to three or four funerals a week, no matter who you are.

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people

The world held the lowest of expectations

for North Little Rock

native Jimmy McGill and for nearly four decades of his life, he

It started with a sheriff tough enough to get the attention of a strung-out hard case.

lived down to every single one of them. Criminal. Drug dealer.

Gangbanger. Junkie. These labels worked their way under his

“Here I am, Lonoke County jail and I’m a trash-talker. I’m a

skin like tattoos, as much about who he was raised to be than

pretty entertaining guy,” Jimmy says. “The sheriff, John Staley,

who he was, but one and the same to those witnessing the

takes a liking to me. Now Sheriff Staley is a hard ass. He’s the

maelstrom of his life.

old Doc Holliday-Wyatt Earp-type, but he was a good man. He never whooped me, but he was very hardcore. He believed in

“I can remember cutting corners off bags and stealing them at

doing what was right and you owning responsibility.”

twelve and thirteen years old, stealing methamphetamines from my dad,” he says. “He had these old cars behind my grandpa’s,

“One day, Sheriff says, ‘McGill, pack up. I’m going to move you

so one time, I’m out there playing in these old cars, and I find

up front.’ I’m like, ‘What? Move me up front?’ He takes me

this shaving bag. It’s literally got a pound of methamphetamine

out of the back of the jail, puts me in the front and I become

in it, rolled up into ounces.”

a trusty. I’m living good for being in jail.”

“So, I pulled out an ounce and I take a little out of each bag.

The gesture was impactful and approaching forty years of

I’ve got this cigarette cellophane filled up all the way across the

age, Jimmy started taking stock of his life. If a ramrod like

bottom, like a quarter ounce. I sold it for two dollars thinking

Sheriff Staley could see something redeemable in him, well,

that it went the same that marijuana went for, you know? I

who knows? Life began to look much different until one

knew one finger across the cellophane was a joint and a joint

day an all-too-familiar devil paid him a visit.

was two dollars. I treated the meth just like it was the same.

That’s the environment I grew up in.”

“My cellmate gets this dope from a girl who’s going through intake,” he says. “He’s like, ‘Look what I got.’ I literally turned

In some ways, Jimmy was very good at what he did. Coming out

him down thirteen times a day, but he kept putting it in my

of juvenile “training school” as a teen, he came home to North

face. I said no ‘til I couldn’t say no anymore.”

Little Rock and used his considerable leadership skills to organize the percolating gang scene. Jimmy stood out in this violent world

“That was the day. Looking back, I understand that was the

having received a savage education while inside that transformed

first time I used against my will. I didn’t want to do it. Hated

a picked-on eighth grader into a hair-trigger predator.

myself because I couldn’t not do it. But I did and the sheriff caught me. Locked me up in the hole and he had tears in his

By many other measurements, Jimmy was really bad at what he

eyes as he did it, almost, over me betraying his trust.”

did, especially after he started using heavily. The coup de grace was a Lonoke County deputy waking him up in 2014 from a

“But that was the right crack in the wall. Something about

drug-addled stupor behind the wheel of a running car loaded

wanting to show him that I wasn’t the screw-up he thought

with ice and stolen property. Already a five-time loser, everyone

I was, that’s what did it. I just hit seven years being clean in

including Jimmy, assumed he’d breathed the last free air he

February.”

was going to for a long, long time.

Jimmy’s next mooring point entered his life shortly thereafter.

He didn’t have the capacity to know then that God had been

Now in a transitional program, he was at a recovery meeting

keeping tabs, watching over him in drug dens and generally

when a brassy, tell-it-like-it-is woman named Chelsea came in

providing the guardrails on a life careening out of control. And

and sat in the chair next to his.

when the time came, the Lord used a myriad cast of characters to reveal to Jimmy the true plan He held for his life, making

“My living skills at that point were animalistic,” Jimmy says.

sense of the chaos.

“The majority of my addiction I’m like a frickin’ raccoon. I only

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people

they don’t have convictions. The women I knew were prostitutes

Jimmy McGill and wife, Chelsea

and thieves and they were the female version of me. All of a sudden, there’s this clean, educated, outspoken girl telling me what I need to hear that no one else had the gumption to do.”

Chelsea, two years clean when they met versus Jimmy's nine months, straightened out his thinking, taught him how selfrespect comes from giving respect to others. Most of all, she never let pity and self-loathing drive her back into dark, beckoning ditches. They married in 2017 and he still speaks of her as the life preserver she is.

“Chelsea ends up being this vessel that God really uses,” he says with a warm smile. “She’s had her job cut out for her.”

The third person who caps this incredible comeback story is Kirk Lane, now Arkansas Drug Director, who served in law enforcement in central Arkansas for thirty-five years. Kirk was well acquainted with the old Jimmy, having arrested him on multiple occasions. But Kirk also recognized the value of such life experiences in the new Jimmy, hiring him as the state’s Recovery Manager at Arkansas Department of Human Services. It was a move so bold, the hire needed Governor Asa Hutchinson’s signature given Jimmy’s record.

Jimmy has tackled his new role with evangelistic fervor. He wrangled $100,000 in funding for three pilot peer programs that put recovering addicts like himself within reach of those trying to get clean. Two programs – one called Exodus Life and one based in the Lonoke County Jail – were so successful the work is spreading to hospital emergency rooms, police come out at night. I think in my mind I’m the cutest thing in

departments and additional jails. More than four hundred

the world, but I look like a trash can. I’m thirty-eight years old

peer recovery specialists have been trained on materials Jimmy

with my hat on sideways, pants sagging, throwing gang signs.

developed. And he’s helped pull multiple states onto the same

I’m clean, but my thinking is corrupted.”

page to improve and expand publicly funded recovery programs throughout the region.

“Chelsea starts talking to me in a fashion that no one since my dad has ever had the nerve to talk to me. She tells me, ‘You

“It was a team effort, but there was no one to grab it by the

look like a freakin’ idiot. You need to fix your hat and pull your

horns and say, ‘This is the way we’re going to go.’ So that’s

pants up. You look stupid.’ I didn’t know if I wanted to date

what I did,” he said. “I immediately identified leaders from

her, fight her or marry her.”

the recovery community, and we sat down and built a model collaboratively that’s changing history and changing the

“I was so intrigued. I only knew women who were in the grip of

trajectory of recovery services across the nation.”

addiction. They’re not living by morals, they’re not outspoken,

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people

Jimmy also found time to write a book on his life and is an in-demand public speaker for groups ranging from state legislators to inmates. Leaning heavily on faith though he does – he first found salvation in Lonoke solitary, devouring a stolen Bible daily – he tells them effort and commitment is what’s most needed to meet the problem of addiction in society. And the clock is ticking.

“There’s this constant fight whether addiction is a disease or not,” he says. “People will share their opinion like it’s fact. People in the faith community, they’re like, ‘Well, Jesus is the only way to go.’

I’ve seen people get clean for thirty years who don’t believe

“When I came home from my sixth trip to prison, if you would

in God at all. That doesn’t mean God won’t use them in a

have told me I was coming home to become the first parolee

powerful way. He used me at my worst.”

with a state position, I would have thought you were cuckoobird crazy,” he says. “I wouldn’t have even understood what

“Addiction is not a Black problem, a white problem; it’s not a

you were saying. But that’s what happened. God took me

gender problem. It’s a human problem. We as a people have

from a state prison and put me in a state position. Did the

to come together and build a better plan or we’re going to be

impossible. None of that would have happened without all

going to three or four funerals a week, no matter who you are.

those experiences and all those stories to tell.”

And it’s easy to sit up on your high horse and judge until it’s your kid’s funeral. Right now, fentanyl is the number-one killer

“God always meant for my gifts and abilities to be used. What

in America. I’m going to two or three funerals a week. It’s only

the world wanted for bad, He used for Him."

a matter of time before the rest of society catches up. Then it’ll be put up or shut up.”

Jimmy glances out the window and watches people pass on an overcast morning. There was a time he sized people up as victims and in a way, he still does, looking for the telltale signs of addiction and trauma. It’s a parade without end, this line of the wounded and broken, and it chews up as many who try to

Follow Jimmy on Facebook (facebook.com/jimmymcgill76), his YouTube channel and on Instagram (jimmymcgilllive).

Jimmy’s book, From Prison to Purpose can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or wherever books are sold.

help as it kills those needing it. For years, he laid at the bottom of that well, until bubbling grace lifted him to the surface, refreshing him daily for the work yet to be done.

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taste

Strawberry Cheesecake Tart Recipe adapted delish.com image Timolina/Shutterstock

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taste

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taste

ingredients crust

filling

topping

° 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

° ½ cup heavy cream ° (2) 8-ounce packages cream

° 1 ½ pounds strawberries,

° 1 ¼ teaspoons salt ° 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed ° ¾ cup vegetable shortening, cold ° ½ cup ice water (water with ice,

cheese, softened

° ½ cup granulated sugar ° juice and zest of 1 lemon ° 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

hulled and sliced ° 3 Tablespoons strawberry or raspberry preserves

not just cold water)

method crust

Combine flour and salt in large bowl. Add butter and shortening. Combine the butter and shortening into the flour mixture until it forms into pea-sized bits of dough.

Add 1 Tablespoon of ice water at a time to the dough mixture, stirring after each Tablespoon you add until large clumps start to form, anywhere from ½ cup to ¾ cup.

Don’t add more water than you need.

Press into a pie pan, pressing until dough is smooth. Prick all over with a fork and bake until golden, 15-20 minutes.

Let cool.

filling

Beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

Next, add vanilla, and lemon juice and zest. Beat until combined. Gently add in whipped cream. Spoon mixture into the crust and smooth out the top.

Arrange strawberries on top of cheesecake until the top is covered. Heat preserves and 2 teaspoons of water in the microwave, about 30 seconds. Brush over berries and refrigerate tart until chilled.

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taste

Strawberry

gin fizz

Recipe adapted realhousemoms.com image Ramon L. Farinos/Shutterstock

ingredients serves one ° ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (more to taste) ° 1 teaspoon lime juice ° 4 fresh strawberries, 3 hulled and sliced, plus 1 (garnish) ° 3 ounces gin ° club soda ° fresh mint sprig (garnish)

method Combine sugar and lime juice in a glass. Mix to dissolve sugar. Add sliced strawberries and smash slightly. Fill the glass with ice and add gin. Add a splash of club soda and garnish with more strawberries and mint sprigs.

Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

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travel

Berry Pickin’ in the Natural State

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

ARNOLD FAMILY FARM STORE Alma, Arkansas / 479.632.0757

CADRON CREST ORCHARD Greenbrier, Arkansas / 501.679.3243

SALT BOX FARM Benton, Arkansas / 501.317.0135

THE CABOT PATCH & MOUNTAIN HIGH PRODUCE Cabot, Arkansas / 501.605.1313

COX BERRY FARM & NURSERY Clarksville, Arkansas / 479.754.3707

REAGAN FAMILY FARM

Fayetteville, Arkansas / 479.443.5529

words Catherine Frederick image Maksim Shutov

Berry season is just around the corner here in Arkansas! Generally, berries are ripe and ready for picking mid-April, but dates can be weather dependent. It’s best to call ahead or check Facebook for daily u-pick information.

MCGARRAH FARMS Lowell & Pea Ridge, Arkansas / 479.640.3257

APPEL FARMS

Springdale, Arkansas / 479.770.3602

HOLLAND BOTTOM FARM Cabot, Arkansas / 501.259.9986

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50

fiction

Love in the Rough words Liesel Schmidt image Kurhan/Shutterstock

WE CARRY PEOPLE with us like a pocket full of stones, taking them out to look at and ponder over, turning them over in our hands until their sharp edges are softened, polishing them so they glow in the light of our memories and lose their flaws. Sometimes, it makes moving on harder. Sometimes, it’s what is needed to rebuild something precious which would otherwise be lost.

Kate shrugged, playing with the label on her beer bottle. She’d been nursing it for a while, trying to work up the courage to break the ice with the stranger a few seats away. “What can I say? I’m good at reading people,” she quipped.

His smile widened. “Seems so,” he replied.

“Well, Iowa, surely you must be worried right about now. It’s

“Let me guess. An Iowa fan?” Kate said, locking eyes with

not looking good for you,” Kate said, glancing at the television

the man who had been occupying a stool down the bar from

screens above the bar. Oklahoma State was in the lead, and it

hers and nodding her head, indicating the logoed hat he wore

appeared unlikely that the tides would turn without a miracle.

on his.

“Oh, I don’t know. I’ve seen worse,” he said simply, his eyes He smiled and nodded, revealing white, even teeth that stood

shining with a hint of something Kate couldn’t quite put her

out against the dark hair of his unshaven face — handsome in

finger on, yet she couldn’t tear herself away from his gaze. He

a way both easy and mesmerizing at the same time. Hazel eyes

smiled again, and she realized she was returning it.

glittered under the dim overhead light. “How could you tell?” he asked, playing along.

“May I?” he asked, indicating the stool next to hers. She

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fiction nodded, and he moved over. “Name’s Tom,” he said after

Tom nodded. “That she does.” He stared at her a moment and

resettling. “What’s yours?”

cocked his head, the corner of his mouth tipping up. “I’m going to get your number,” he said, the smile on his face revealing a

“Kate,” she said with a shy smile.

dimple she hadn’t seen earlier. “I hope that’s okay.”

“Kate,” Tom repeated, like he was turning it over, studying it.

The last customers straggled out of the bar, and Kate realized

“Good name. What do you do, Kate?”

she and Tom had been talking past closing time. They paid their tabs, two people who had met hours ago now so

“I’m a teacher. I teach English,” she said, realizing how boring

firmly entranced by the other’s presence they seemed almost

that probably sounded.

spellbound. The door closed behind them, and Kate found herself face-to-face with Tom under the dark blanket of night,

“Very noble profession,” Tom said, nodding approvingly. “But

with a cascade of stars watching. Standing there, she realized

you’re probably much too smart for me.”

how well built he was, how easily he moved.

“Sometimes I think my students are much too smart for me,”

“What are you doing tomorrow?” Tom asked, breaking the

Kate replied with a laugh. “What do you do, Tom?”

silence of the air around them.

“I turn wrenches,” he said simply, picking up his pint glass of

“Nothing important,” Kate replied, fiddling with the keys in her

dark beer and taking a pull. He put it down and set it squarely

hand, wondering if he was going to ask her to dinner. Hoping

on the cardboard coaster in front of him before speaking again.

he would.

“I work mostly on cars, but if it’s got an engine, chances are, I can fix it.”

“I’d like to see you again,” Tom said.

“Cars, huh?” Kate asked. “So, you’re mechanically inclined.

“I’d like that.”

Honest work. What’s your dream car?”

“Good,” Tom nodded, moving close.

Tom’s face lit up. “1978 Lil' Red Express. They’re incredibly rare.”

Kate could feel her heartbeat quicken. And then, in an instant, “Interesting choice for a dream car,” Kate observed.

she was in his arms, locked in a kiss she could feel running through her entire body, like an electric current flowing through every inch of her. Time stopped, and there was nothing but the

“Maybe,” Tom allowed. “What’s yours?”

two of them. Finally, they broke the kiss, and Kate could see Kate didn’t hesitate. “Fully restored 1986 Saab 900S, cherry

in the dim light of a nearby streetlight the look of surprise on

red.” She shrugged. “My dad had one, and I grew up riding in

Tom’s face. It was a look she had always wanted to see—as

it. Call me sentimental.”

though she were some wondrous thing, some creature that defied imagination, some treasure found after an eternity of

“Saab,” Tom said with appreciation for her unusual choice.

searching.

“Solid cars.”

“Where have you been?” he asked in a hushed voice.

“They were until GM bought them, you mean,” Kate corrected.

“After that, they really weren’t Saabs anymore.”

**************************

“Watch out, son,” said an older man next to Kate who had

Four months had passed since that first kiss, four months

clearly been listening in on their conversation. “This one knows

filled with electric kisses, magical moments and looks passed

just enough to be dangerous.”

between them that made the world fall away. But those four

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fiction

months were also filled with arguments that felt as though

of them desperately trying to find something to hold on to in

they were ripping Kate in two. This wasn’t going to work. Too

that moment so they wouldn’t be swallowed into the abyss.

many arguments, too many things they couldn’t seem to get past, no matter how much they both seemed to want to. She’d

At last, she pulled away. “Goodbye, Tom.”

tried because she loved him, but even that didn’t seem to be enough. Not in the face of his jealousy, or her own inability to

As she walked away, Kate tried to control the sobs that

communicate. Even with the changes they’d both made, there

threatened to wrack her body so that maybe he wouldn’t see.

were stumbling blocks that seemed to find them at an impasse, and her family’s disapproval of him hadn’t helped.

**************************

Kate steeled herself for the conversation she knew she needed

“Let me guess. A Saab owner?”

to have, going over the words that seemed to be caught behind a heart that felt as though it was breaking. She trudged to her

Kate looked up from the papers she’d been grading, sitting in

car and drove unseeingly to Tom’s house to find him just where

a back booth of the bar that had become a regular part of her

she knew he would be, in his backyard, head buried deep in

landscape. She’d been so engrossed in her work that she hadn’t

the guts of a car.

noticed anyone approach.

“Hi,” she said quietly as she approached.

She stared up at the man standing over her, eyes wandering over the face that had once been so familiar. It had been a

Tom looked up. “Hi,” he said flatly. Even he was still raw after

year since she’d kissed him goodbye, and there hadn’t been a

their last argument.

day she hadn’t thought of him and wondered what if. She had done a lot of growing since then, soul searching and working

“Can you stop for a minute?” Kate asked.

on the same problems that had been so detrimental to their relationship. Maybe he had, too.

Tom nodded and stood up, reached for a rag, and wiped the grease off his hands. He waited silently for her to speak.

“How could you tell?” she asked with a smile, thinking of the Saab she had parked outside.

“This isn’t working,” Kate said, feeling her throat tighten and tears burn her eyes. “As much as I want it to, as much as I love

Tom shrugged. “What can I say? I’m good at reading people,”

you, it’s just not.”

he said, returning her smile.

Tom nodded. “I know.” There was an edge of sadness in his

“That you are,” she said, wondering what was coming next.

voice that tore at her.

“I’ve missed you,” he said quietly.

“I can’t be what you need me to be, and I’m sorry for that,” Kate said as tears slowly trickled down her cheeks.

As she looked into those hazel eyes, she saw the same look, that look of awe and wonder that she had seen in Tom’s eyes

Tom said nothing as she closed the distance between them

that very first night. “I’ve missed you, too,” she said. “Where

and gave him one last kiss. She opened her eyes and saw his

have you been?”

handsome face crumpled in agony as he kissed her back, both

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