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Guest Columnist
If Russell ordered a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch, I ordered a grilled cheese. If Russell thought a movie was cool, I thought the movie was cool. I am more than confident this behavior drove my older cousin crazy, but I was oblivious to his irritation. I just could not imagine that there was another human being on this planet that was cooler than my "Fuffel." A strange nickname, indeed, but my mother called him that, and I, in turn, adapted. There are a wealth of memories which are glued to my heart about Russell, but there are two which stick out the most. My grandfather was in a country band called "The Ridge Runners" and he had taught Russell a song, "Old Blue," and me a song, "Old Dan Tucker," as a side show for the act. We had performed these songs numerous times. Even at a young age, I understood how you could get positively sick of singing a song. So, I decided to approach Russell with an idea. My suggestion was that we swap songs. Of course, I had always wanted to sing "Old Blue" because this was Russell's song. The idea was a flop. He courteously replied, "NO!" My Papa told me he would teach me another song for the show, but, I was devastated. To this day, I have never sung "Old Blue." To expose Russell's heroism, this story should do the trick. My sister Allison was much more of a dare devil than I. She would ride her bike like Evel Kenevel, peddling as fast as she could around corners and down hills. One day, I was having a snack on the couch, and in flies a pre-teen Russell carrying a bleeding 5-year-old Allison. I do not believe I have ever seen as much blood as I saw then. They were both covered in red, and my mother and I were scared to death. Russell said he was in his field when he heard Allison scream for help. He rushed over like Superman, swept her into his arms, and brought her swiftly to safety. She had nearly broken her nose from a tumble on the bike, and my "Fuffel" had saved her. My "Fuffel" now has a beautiful wife and three adorable children. Even though he is a grown up man, I still see him as my big brother hero when we are together. This is how family should be. Being in the family of God is quite similar. There are those who are my big sisters and brothers in faith who I look up to. I am certain I sometimes imitate their actions just as I did with Russell as a little girl. However, there are others who look to me as their big sister in faith, and I am sure they imitate my actions. This realization makes me more aware of what and how I do things. You never know who is watching! I am so grateful for my "Fuffel." Though I may order differently now or watch different movies, he will always be a hero to me.
Autumn Mott Calvert grew up in Thomasville. Today she lives in the Huntsville area.
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