Many people assume all doctors are rich, and presume they were somehow born into privileged situations. I must confess that I resent this incorrect notion. I struggle to meet my daily expenses as much as anyone. Patients often also make comments suggesting they think I couldn’t have any concept of country life.

 My father was an accountant, but he grew up on a farm and, in his heart, he was always a frustrated farmer. He did an admirable job of providing for our family. We lacked nothing we needed, but it is fair to say we were not rich in a material sense. My mother came from a rural family, as well. I spent a lot of time in my youth visiting my grandparents and participating in their lifestyle.  In going through some old family photographs, I came across a couple of pictures which speak volumes about my heritage. 

I am proud to introduce you to my grandfathers:

 Mr. Carl Horton – Brookhaven, MS

 Mr. Lonnie Wilson – Carlisle, MS

I appreciate rural culture from first-hand experience. We would all do well do remember the contribution our rural ancestors made in building this country.

Today, things are much different than my grandparents could have believed - with  today’s automobiles, paved roads, satellite TV, public utilities, and WalMart almost everywhere. Still, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Our rural citizens are still the backbone of our nation. 

(There are a few things I don’t mind trying to forget, though. I really would not like to give up my air conditioning, and I still don’t like the “slick” pages from the Sears and Roebuck catalogue. If you don’t understand what I mean, go ask an old-timer who recalls what it was like before indoor plumbing!)

                            Thomas L. Horton, MD