Thank you, Natchez
Jennifer Jackson Whittier
When one reaches her 72nd Birthday, something special needs to happen. I wanted to celebrate; I wanted to include my daughters and granddaughter; and I didn’t want to have to spend hours driving to our destination. The logical choice was Natchez, Mississippi, only an hour’s drive from my hometown of Brookhaven, and a town filled with history, beauty, character, and hospitality. Natchez has undergone some changes of the past few years…..very positive changes; and if you haven’t visited there in a while, you must see it for yourself.
My first order of business was to reserve accommodations that would be comfortable for us to rest and relax; a place close to restaurants and the lovely shops and boutiques that Natchez has to offer. I found the perfect spot….a charming cottage on Canal Street, close to the River, shopping, and my favorite eateries. We arrived and were pleasantly surprised with a welcome basket, laden with wine, gourmet cookies, and fudge from the iconic Darby’s on Main Street.
The cottage was warm and inviting, and the décor and furnishings were not only beautiful, but tasteful and comfortable. This was a very special place, and my birthday weekend was off to an excellent start.
We found ourselves quite content to snuggle up on the sofa and enjoy just being together. Those times are rare; and the conversations varied from reminiscing about my girls’ childhood and beyond, to sharing plans for their futures. It was a mother’s dream, and one of the most special birthday gifts I have ever received! Of course we shopped, took strolls, and ate far too much of the varieties of delicious food, but the most special part of our weekend was our time together.
I have learned many life lessons in my 72 years, but one of the most important ones is to embrace family time. The years pass by so quickly, and there hardly seems to be enough chances to simply stop and relax. The time spent in that little cottage will be one of my fondest memories. Natchez, I thank you for your hospitality, and for providing such a lovely setting for the best birthday I have ever had.
