MELISSA BELL

This one is a special one. I've known Melissa all my life, and I see her heart. We should all love like her.

Q.) Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

A.) Well, I would like to say that I am very honored and humbled to be chosen as person of the week. I'm definitely a small town girl. I work for Lewis County Monument here in Hohenwald.

Q.) Where did you grow up?

A.) I grew up here on Garrison Road. Those were some of the best times of my life.

Q.) What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

A.) My fondest memories are of being with my friends Kim Jackson, Katrina Anthony, and Misty Garrison Brewer. I had a dirt bike and Katrina and Misty both had 3 wheelers. We had the best time. I wore the seat out of a few pairs of coveralls in the snow. I remember having to be hosed down a time or two from riding and playing in the mud! We could have the best time just being together.

I also remember setting off a pack of bottle rockets by accident in Katrina's living room on the 4th of July. It's funny now, but I was terrified then. (I'm still sorry Donna!)

Q.) What did you want to be as a kid? What did you actually become?

A.) I wanted to be a musician or somehow work in music when I grew up but actually became a Licensed Practical Nurse. I haven't worked as a nurse in a good while.

Q.) Who was/is your biggest role model?

A.) When I think of a role model, the first ones that come to mind are my mother and grandmother. If I can be only half the woman my grandmother was, and my mother still is, I'll do well in life. I have been divinely favored with those two.

Q.) What are some of your favorite hobbies/ how do you like to spend your free time?

A.) I love to play guitar. I have played since I was 12. I play occasionally with a local band.

Q.) If you could go anywhere, in or out of the states, where would it be? Why?

A.) I'd love to see London. It's always been interesting to me.

Q.) What is your favorite 90's jam?

A.) Country music is my absolute favorite. I do listen to a lot of different stuff though. I love some Motown too!

Q.) What is one of your favorite things about living in Hohenwald?

A.) I just love small town life. I lived in Nashville for 7 years and moved back in 2013. It was good to come home.

Q.) What is your favorite time of year? Why?

A.) I love the summer. I like to kayak and fish with my buddies.

Q.) Let's say you're a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be? Why?

A.) If I were a new crayon, I'd be a mix of yellow and purple. I'd call it "yell-er-ple". They are my two favorite colors and it's fun to say.

Q.) What do you enjoy most about your job?

A.) I enjoy helping folks in their time of need. It's not an easy thing to order a headstone. I try to make the experience as easy as possible.

Q.) Do you have a nickname?

A.) I do have a nickname. My nephews call me "Sissy". "Lucille" is the nickname!!!

Q.) Is there any life advice you could give to our readers?

A.) I think the best advice I could give is to just be grateful for everything and every moment we are given. A grateful heart is always close to the true treasures of the universe.

Q.) Is there anything you would like to add that my questions may not have touched on?

A.) I would like to add something if I can...I would like to challenge everyone reading to do a random act of kindness. We might be surprised how far it goes in making life better for everyone.