Regional accents have always fascinated me.  Being able to pinpoint where someone is from just by listening is a skill that takes a lot of travel and many years.  Even from the same state, accents can vary greatly.  I can usually get it right over ninety percent of the time.  It's those foreign accents and the ones of people who move a lot that throw me.

I was working in my home office this past Friday when my phone rang.  I noticed that it was a New York area code--those are always interesting.  I assumed it was probably a political poll call; I've been getting several of those lately.  To my surprise it was a very jolly fellow with a thick Yiddish accent.  He asked for someone by name, and I told him politely that no one lived here by that name.  Therefore, he must have the wrong number.  He kindly apologized for the disturbance, and then asked if I lived in Searcy, AR.  I replied that I did.  That began a conversation that lasted about fifteen minutes on topics ranging from the GOP Presidential race to business and world events.  He was chatty!  As I began to grow more accustomed to his accent, I asked him, "Who was it that you originally asked for?"  He restated the name (which is not a common first name), as well as the business name.  I laughed and said, "I know him.  I'll get you his number."  He said, "You're not serious."  I told him, "Well, we're not exactly best friends, but I have done business with him before.  I'd say we are acquaintances."  My new phone buddy seemed to be amused by all of this.  He told me he was in the financial business and made dozens of calls a day all over the world, and this was the first time he had dialed the wrong number where the person he spoke with actually knew the one he had inteneded to call.  I agreed it was odd, but funny.  He then said, "What a fine city this must be where everyone knows everyone."  "Yes, it is," was my reply.  Searcy is a great place!  We ended our conversation, and he stated lastly, "I may call you again."  I hope he does!

Later that day I was thinking about his comment on what a fine city this must be.  I've always lived in Arkansas and more specifically, I've always lived in White County.  It's funny how you have to get a foreigner's perspective on your home before you see how blessed you are.  But in all seriousness, that same comment can be made about this entire country.  I feel most blessed to be an American. I've traveled all over this great country, and wonderful people everywhere are just as proud of where they came from as I am.  It is each of these strong, proud communities that make us strong as one people.

As severe weather rolls across Arkansas tonight, I've been monitoring the television stations for weather information.  With few exceptions, I've known people in every town and community.  When each town is mentioned, I can see the faces of so many I know and have met along life's journey.  The storm now seems to be moving to the East to Tennessee and Mississippi.  I think of the friends, co-workers, and relatives in these states, as well.  We're all in this together.  And as in the past, after the storm has passed, many will volunteer and help their fellow citizens to clean up the mess.  That's what Americans do!  What a fine city this must be, yes.  But a small part of what makes this an exceptional nation.