Firsts are almost always better — at least in your memories.

The first bicycle.

The first car.

The first date.

And, believe it or not, the first Senator fits into that category, too.

For two decades, Sen. Trent Lott served the people of Mississippi — plus another 16 years in the U.S. House.

So for at least two generations, Lott has been the only U.S. Senator many Mississippians know.

Lott wasn’t just a Senator; he was our friend in Washington. His slightly unique name meant his last name was rarely required. He was just “Trent.”

Lott officially retired recently and, this week, Gov. Haley Barbour appointed U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker as Lott’s replacement.

Wicker is a nice enough guy, but he’s going to have to work hard to grow into the large, comfortable shoes left by his predecessor.

We hope Wicker begins to soon be seen and heard in Southwest Mississippi. Only when one is on the ground here, in our home, can a person truly understand our unique needs and strengths.

Trent will always be our “first” but hopefully soon “Roger” will be synonymous with “Trent.”