Area was positive influence

To the editor:

I grew up in Clyde and recently made the trip back to that area for my cousin's funeral, Michael W. Black. I spent many days and nights as a young boy running the banks of the local Bellevue reservoir. My grandparent and uncles all lived in Bellevue; so I would either be out in the country on St. Rt. 269 playing in the farm fields and barns, or taking trips into downtown strolling the side walks. At one time one of my uncles ran the projector at the old "State Theater." I don't know what was more exciting seeing the movie or climbing into the projection booth from the side entrance way up the steel metal steps.

My point is this, rarely do I come home. I have a life in Florida, my profession, my children and grandchildren and I simply do not get back home much. All to often I go when tragedy strikes our family, like Michael's death. When I came home I took some time to walk, drive, and visit some of my childhood places. The Presbyterian church, the State Theater, Bellevue Reservoir and even dropped by York School where my mother did janitorial work when I was in elementary school.

I also was able to visit the people of this area. Family and friends, but this time I watched and learned. I could see in the faces of the many I was introduced to a strong and firm conviction. Many came by the funeral to simply show respect. Some were there to honor my cousin Michael. Others were there because we were Michael's family, others to honor Michaels' parents, Larry and Peggy Black or Michaels' partner Heidi. What I learned while "home" was that "home" had a lot to do with the boy I was and the man I am.

From the combines in the corn fields and the silos marking the farms, to the people that shook my hand; I saw a true grit. I saw compassion, tenderness, care and concern. I felt the toughness, the steel of the men, women, and people of the Bellevue area, but it also came to me with the gentleness of velvet. The area of Bellevue made me see that I grew up in an area that had a profound influence on my life. It is an area that gave me a sense of balance in an unbalance world. Bellevue and the area I am from gave me an understanding of being a man of steel and a man of velvet a man of pride, honor, and integrity. The people I saw and visited with while home for my short stay reminded me of what is important. Being a man of respect, one who takes pride in community, one who takes time on a weekend to visit the funeral home -- simply to show respect.

Our roots, our community makes people better and I want to thank you for the positive influence the people of this area has had in my life. Keep raising children with this type of ethic and beliefs.

Thank you Bellevue.

Chaplain "Bud" Albert A. Gibbs

Hendry Correctional Institution

12551 Wainwright Drive

Immokalee FL 34142