June 20, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. The Waiting Room.

Ken, April and I were minding our own business in the waiting room of The Retina Center. We had been there 5 minutes. A half dozen folks were waiting too. The television was showing a program on home renovators, but no one was watching. One older lady was chatting with her daughter, but for the most part, the place was quiet. In the door walked a tall well dressed lady and asked if anyone was watching the TV, because if the answer was no, she wanted to turn to the NCAA World Series baseball game being played by Mississippi State. We all agreed so the white haired tall lady tried to change the channel but was told by one of the receptionists that the channel could only be changed by the attendant and they were busy, which did not please anyone. Eventually, the channel was switched. And everyone started talking to each other. The NCAA World Series was on and I did not even know. In the past, I have enjoyed watching their games because the games are exciting. You never know what will happen. But I was focused on The World Cup. People talked about the number of years they have supported Mississippi State, or the fact that they always cheer for the University of Mississippi. The Mississippi State folks were happy because they won the game 12 to 2 over North Carolina. Eventually, the tall ladies husband appeared where he had been watching the game at the Manships restaurant. He was even taller than his wife, and equally well dressed. I have noted that folks in Mississippi wear clothes a few notches up from my regular garb when going to the doctors office or grocery store. Soon we moved into the back but the conversations continues while we were waiting for tests. I asked one older couple how that got to cheer for Mississippi State. She had a grandchild attending the school but she said that most people bond with their college. In Mississippi, people will cheer for Mississippi State of The University of Mississippi. But certainly not both. Folks are never neutral. Now that I know the games are on, I will cheer for Mississippi State. They need one more win to get into the finals. I was most interested with the impact the tall lady had on the waiting room. The atmosphere went from quiet and boring to enthusiasm. And I am grateful for her for bringing up the College World Series. And as an aside, Ken's retina if just fine.