A 5K run/walk contest was held at All Saints Parish in Meridian. Over 340 people were there with food, music and fellowship.

The 5K run option and family walk was wonderful. I am now 78 years of age.

Earlier that morning, I met with a rather hostile nest of yellow jackets. Wham, they do hurt! A fine EMT taped ice to my hand and said “you can make it.”

The age group cutoff was age 60 and up. I was informed that the parish must approve the cutoff.

Off we go. I am No. 532, here I trot toward the Butler Farm Show grounds. It took me 30 minutes to catch up with two 7-year-old county boys. I asked one of them “How old are you?” “I’m 7.” I replied, “I am age 77.”

I keep running, as we passed where political violence occurred, where No. 47 (President Donald Trump) was almost taken from us, my ice pack melted and some relief occurred. Around, and around we ran.

Finally, a cute 7-year-old lad offered a congratulatory hand and said “Good job, sir. And I like your hair.” It was blue and purple.

John Patrus,

Middlesex Township