A Framed Copy of an Article in the Community Section of the Houston Chronicle, October 2006
What began as the “Reading Series” at Montgomery College in 1993 evolved to become the “Writers In Performance” series conducted by the Montgomery County Literary Arts Council (MCLAC). Over the years, many local poets, as well as national poets, have read their poetry at Montgomery College. Since moving to Tucson 12 years ago, I haven’t had too many opportunities to attend the series, which continues under the leadership of Cliff Hudder and Dave Parsons.
Linda Ricketts with Michael McDougal at the Montgomery County Literacy Volunteers Annual Spelling Bee Fund Raiser (May 18, 2004) — Image by kenne
There’s a song written by John Prine titled, “Angel from Montgomery.” The people of Montgomery County had that angle and her name is Linda Ricketts. Linda was an angel because she was one of those rare people who found her voice by adopting and embracing communities and filiations, which in turn Inspired her to inhale the memory of acts never experienced. These acts were the work of an angel who served countless people and organizations by giving without conditions the one gift worth more than any, her time. She was a volunteer’s volunteer!
If we believe that “becoming is superior to being,” then the process of becoming is that of “gathering up the fragments”, so that we as individuals, communities and organizations may become whole. Linda was able to see the fragments around her and gather them. Whatever was broken, missing, disconnected or lost, Linda worked to create new connections resulting in bright mosaics made from the gathered fragments.
The historic, colloquial, genesis of the title words in the song, “Angel from Montgomery” are not about our angel from Montgomery county, but have to do with her husband being pardoned from a death sentence by the governor of Alabama. You hope from Death Row that the governor will be your Angel and send a pardon your way from his home in Montgomery. So the old woman in the John Prine song is singing about becoming a pardon from the humdrum humility of her loveless life. I share it here for its beauty and humble, but profound chorus of gathered fragments.
Those of us who love Linda are blessed with her beautiful mosaics made from gather fragments — broken; colorful; unique; that will forever be “beneficial to all concerned.”
I count Linda among my most loved friends.
kenne
Angel from Montgomery
I am an old woman named after my mother My old man is another child that’s grown old If dreams were lightning thunder was desire This old house would have burnt down a long time ago
Make me an angel that flies from Montgom’ry Make me a poster of an old rodeo Just give me one thing that I can hold on to To believe in this living is just a hard way to go
When I was a young girl well, I had me a cowboy He weren’t much to look at, just free rambling man But that was a long time and no matter how I try The years just flow by like a broken down dam.
Make me an angel that flies from Montgom’ry Make me a poster of an old rodeo Just give me one thing that I can hold on to To believe in this living is just a hard way to go
There’s flies in the kitchen I can hear ’em there buzzing And I ain’t done nothing since I woke up today. How the hell can a person go to work in the morning And come home in the evening and have nothing to say.
Make me an angel that flies from Montgom’ry Make me a poster of an old rodeo Just give me one thing that I can hold on to To believe in this living is just a hard way to go
Nancy Harrington — Rotary Club of Conroe Guest Presenter, 2009 — Image by Beth Bolack
We were sadden to learn this morning of the death of a Montgomery County leader in providing services for women and families. I am privileged and honored to have known Nancy and worked with her in various community service activities. I first became aware of Nancy’s Women’s Center leadership when Joy was a hot-line volunteer in the early days of the Montgomery County Women’s Center. Click here to learn more about her sudden death.
Linda Ricketts with Michael McDougal at the Montgomery County Literacy Volunteers Annual Spelling Bee Fund Raiser 
