Whenever a person finds himself in a new place one familiar face can make you feel right at home.

When I first arrived in Greenville I had assumed that I would have to start completely from scratch.

There were a few people that I had met through the years but none that I knew very well.

That all changed with a trip to McKenzie on my first day of employment.

Managing Editor Jay Thomas had some business to attend to in Georgiana and McKenzie and was kind enough to take me along.

When we passed the McKenzie Post Office I remembered that one the finest people that I had ever met was inside.

Again, Jay was kind enough to stop, and I was reunited with one of my favorite people in the world.

Postmaster Teena Reid.

For those of you who are not familiar with Mrs. Reid, she is one of the best cookie bakers that I have ever encountered.

When I was a student at Troy State University Mrs. Reid's daughter was dating my roommate. Since she was always in class when Mrs. Reid phoned I usually took the calls.

Somehow Mrs. Reid and I became instant buddies and before I knew it cookies were coming in the mail.

But not just any cookies;

Mrs. Reid's cookies, and to say that they were anything but special would be a crime.

Mrs. Reid never left any doubt that these cookies were especially for me because she would leave little notes that said "Made with love," or "You don't have to share them with anyone."

I never did.

Through the years the cookies made many appearances in many places.

However, there was a time when I would not receive the cookies due to my own ignorance.

I had decided to take a summer job in Yellowstone National Park several years ago and told Mrs. Reid that I would send a post card.

In exchange she said she would keep me in cookies for the summer.

I didn't do my part and one day received a post card from McKenzie, Ala. that said "No post card…no cookies."

I sent the post card as quickly as I could.

Mrs. Reid even took the time to send me an Easter basket when I first transferred to the University of South Alabama in Mobile.

But anyway, I am straying from the point of this column, which is what a great person McKenzie has in Mrs. Reid.

Though I have only met her a few times I have never seen her without a smile on her face.

She has always been able to brighten up my day.

Because of this I felt the need to embarrass her by telling everyone how wonderful she is.

So if you are ever having a bad day maybe Mrs. Reid can help to cheer you up.

But don't horn in on my cookie supply. I'm still not willing to share!

Rick Couch may be reached at

383-9302, ext. 132 or

via email at rick. couch@greenvilleadvocate.com.