By GENE COLEMAN

The Natchez Democrat

VIDALIA – On a hot, sunny Sunday afternoon, Mary Knight is feverishly sweeping grass from the sidewalk of her home on John Dale Drive in Vidalia, where The Dart landed.

Knight commanded the fresh-cut blades of grass off the walkway with sharp, hard jabs that sent the grass clippings flying off the walk.

She did it with a smile on her face, pausing only to wave to passing drivers who honked their horns. Knight has a lot of friends, so she got a lot of honks.

“I make friends,” Knight said. “I call them my family, and my co-workers are my family, anyone I meet. To have a friend, you have to show yourself as friendly.”

Knight said she was rushing to get the grass cut because of an impending rain storm. Still, Knight gladly took time to talk, and she did not complain about the heat.

“I’m not going to complain about that,” Knight said, “because God gave us an air conditioner to get out of it.”

Knight said she still lives in the childhood home she has lived in since 1967. Her neighborhood, Knight said, is mostly the same tight-knit community she grew up in.

Those who don’t live near Knight still might know her from her 15 years as a billing clerk for the City of Vidalia, or they might recognize her from her current job as a teller with the United Mississippi Bank in Vidalia.

Whatever the case, honks from passing cars kept coming as Knight worked on her lawn.

Meanwhile, Sunday dinner was cooking inside — red beans with ham hocks and sausage served over rice, with cornbread, Knight said, adding that friends and family join her often for meals.

Knight said Sundays are a nice time for church, friends and food, but she appreciates every day.

“I’m just thankful to have another Sunday every Sunday, and I’m grateful to be here and just enjoy life,” Knight said. “Sometimes lemons come your way, but you have to make lemonade and keep going.”