Eating the Bear by Dr. Juan Harrison

Eating the Bear by Dr. Juan Harrison
  • PublishedAugust 30, 2023


Eating The Bear 

Ironically in a rural funeral home a couple of educators, one retired and the other simply tired, after visitation but before the service, were discussing with me on the back row about how our mortal age and physical age didn’t jive.  I learned that each of us had this age in our minds, for me it was 30, for the others it was 35 and 49.  Maybe we just can’t accept reality.  Maybe it’s a defensive mechanism to help us get out of bed putting one foot in front of the other.

As my friend’s mom was being praised for an active life of ninety plus years, I saw a woman full of energy and action for most of her years.  Heck, she even helped manage a sawmill.  Having worked at a sawmill in my early coaching and teaching years, I gave her high praise for toughness.

Maybe it’s God’s way or simply our mind trying to find a way to help us stay positive and energetic.  You and I know the mind is a powerful thing.  We’ve all heard stories of old Indians going off to die gracefully by themselves.  One time on Gunsmoke Festus got his tutu in a crack when he tried to interfere with what was a natural process for the elderly Native American.  We’ve all seen it.  No respecter of age, we’ve watched people just give up and die.  How many times have we seen an old person die and watched the spouse die soon after from loneliness and heartache.

My friend Finis at the feed mill had it.  My old neighbor, customer, and buddy Vonda had it.  Bob Hope and Red Skelton had it.  Down at the feed mill Finis would be walking around behind us guys goosing us while he waited for his next load of feed.  Maybe it’s a guy thing, maybe it was just to break up the humdrum.  I like to call it being young at heart, young in spirit. For a time in high school I had my own radio show, thanks to Bill Bradford radio station owner.  I think he had it.  Ever noticed how many of these guys and gals, like my friend Charlotte Henderson, have had this youthful, positive, life-loving attitude, many after some tragic loss or other circumstance.

I always say enthusiasm is contagious.  We choose how we react to hardship and pain.  The world is watching us.  A walking, talking Bible may be the only one someone will see.  People are searching for something to give them hope and a reason to live.  I saw babies die in an orphanage overseas for lack of touch and a reason to live.  If it helps us to make another day imagining we’re younger than we are, so be it.  This is one thing the government can’t control.  How we react to life is up to us.  Do we eat the bear or does he eat us.  I say get out the fork and knife.  My grand Jack and I have been crawling around the floor hunting bear.  We skinned it and cooked it.  Well done for me.  Now if I can just find something to hold on to get up and out of the floor.

By Dr. Juan Harrison


 

 

 



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Arturo's Wood Fired Pizza Gallery About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving handmade, wood fired pizzas and beer.
 

Phone:(903) 951-1444

arturoswoodfiredpizza.com
 

221 Main St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Phinesse Farms Winery About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving handmade, wood fired pizzas and beer.
 

Phone:(903) 951-1444

arturoswoodfiredpizza.com
 

221 Main St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Backstory Brewery About

Hours
Tuesday - Thursday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday:
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday:
Closed
a production brewery located in beautiful downtown Sulphur Springs, Tx.
 

Phone: (903) 438-2337

backstorybrewery.com
 

211 Magnolia St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

San Remos About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes, wine, beer and cocktails.
 

Phone:(903) 558-1200

sanremoitalian.com
 

226 Connally St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Don Lalo's About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving classic Tex-Mex dishes and cocktails.
 

Phone: (903) 558-1859

 

912 Gilmer St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Tierra Del Sol About

Hours
Sunday- Saturday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Offers a variety of Tex-Mex dishes, chips and salsa and drinks.
 

Phone: (903) 885-5845

 

1402 Mockingbird Ln
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Juan Pablos About

Hours
Sunday- Thursday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Offers a variety of slow smoked Texas BBQ meats with a relaxed vibe here in beautiful Sulphur Springs, TX. They have outdoor covered/ shaded seating for your dining pleasure.
 

Phone: (903) 885-0066

 

1216 Mockingbird Ln
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Los Mochis About

Hours
Sunday- Thursday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Offers a variety of slow smoked Texas BBQ meats with a relaxed vibe here in beautiful Sulphur Springs, TX. They have outdoor covered/ shaded seating for your dining pleasure.
 

Phone: (903) 919-3760

losmochistexmex.getbento.com
 

101 Gilmer St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Slaughter's BBQ Oasis About

Hours
Wednesday - Saturday:
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Offers a variety of slow smoked Texas BBQ meats with a relaxed vibe here in beautiful Sulphur Springs, TX. They have outdoor covered/ shaded seating for your dining pleasure.
 

Phone:  (903) 243-7187

slaughtersbbqoasis.com
 

1000 Gilmer St Suite Q
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Ihop About

Hours
Monday - Friday:
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday:
24hrs
Sunday:
12:00 AM -10:00 PM
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
 

Phone: (903) 885-2406

ihop.com
 

150 E Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Panda Express About

Hours
Monday - Sunday:
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Fast food  restaurant chain that serves American Chinese cuisine. With over 2,200 locations, it is the largest Asian-segment restaurant chain in the United States
 

Phone: (903) 439-3293

pandaexpress.com
 

150 E Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Broadway Buffet About

Hours
Monday - Thursday:
10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Sunday:
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Takeout, Dine In, Delivery. Made to order Sushi, Burgers, Stir-Fry and other Asian Fusion menu items. Burgers, Sushi, Stir-fry and more!
 

Phone: (903) 885-7959

broadwaybuffettx.com
 

1145 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

MAAK About

Hours
Sunday - Monday:
Closed
Tuesday - Saturday:
11 AM - 8:00 PM
Takeout, Dine In, Delivery. Made to order Sushi, Burgers, Stir-Fry and other Asian Fusion menu items. Burgers, Sushi, Stir-fry and more!
 

Phone: (903) 689-2334

themaak.com
 

 208 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Sakura Sushi & Seafood Grill About

Hours
Wednesday - Monday
11 AM - 9:30 PM
Dine in sushi and seafood grill.
 

Phone: (903) 438-0088

sakurasushitx.com
 

 1408 S Broadway St suit 150

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

 Big Smith's BBQ  About

Hours
Monday - Friday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Counter-serve chain offering fried fish & seafood combos, plus chicken & sides.
 

Phone: (903) 439-6067

ljsilvers.com
 

1338 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

 Big Smith's BBQ  About

Hours
Sunday - Wednesday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday - Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Established, no-nonsense BBQ institution preparing smoked meat & fried seafood dinners & sandwiches.
 

Phone: (903) 438-1547

 

4858 TX-154

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Soulman's BBQ About

Hours
Sunday - Wednesday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday - Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of barbecue & sides.
 

Phone: (903) 919-3617

soulmans.com
 

1310 Hillcrest Dr N

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Wing Stop About

Hours
Sunday - Wednesday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday - Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
 

Phone: (903) 335-8431

wingstop.com
 

1602 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Chilis Grill & Bar About

Hours
Sunday - Thursday
10:45 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
10:45 AM - 12:00 AM
Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.
 

Phone: (903) 885-5242

chilis.com
 

128 Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Metro Diner About

Hours
Open 24/7
Comfort food with a flair.
 

Phone: (903) 885-6446

 

105 Industrial Dr W

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

El Charro Restaurant About

Hours
Saturday - Tuesday :
Closed
Wednesday - Thursday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Classic Tex-Mex dishes and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-5669

 

215 College St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Here's 2 Us About

Hours
Tuesday - Friday:
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday:
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday: Closed
Bar & restaurant atmosphere serving delicious burgers, sandwiches and more.
 

Phone: (903) 689-4563

 

109 N Davis St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Flip's Burgerland About

Hours
Monday:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Family restaurant atmosphere serving delicious burgers, sandwiches and more.
 

Phone: (903) 919-5031

 

210 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Pioneer Cafe About

Hours
Monday - Friday
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday
Closed
Family restaurant atmosphere serving delicious country food, breakfast, sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-7773

 

307 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Muddy Jakes About

Hours
Sunday - Thursday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Bar and family restaurant atmosphere serving delicious steaks, burgers, fries, sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-1600

muddyjakes.com
 

229 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Burgers and Fries About

Hours
Sunday:
Closed
Monday - Friday:
10:30AM - 7:00PM
Saturday:
10:30AM - 6:00PM
Serving delicious burgers, fries, sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-9496

 

208 College St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Bodacious BBQ About

Hours
Sunday-Saturday
10:30 AM-8:30 PM
Serving delicious BBQ , sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-6456

bodaciousbbqsulphursprings.com
 

1228 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

Romas Italian Food

Roma's Italian Restaurant   About
     

Hours
Tuesday - Saturday:
8:00 AM - 9:00PM
Sunday:
8:00AM - 3:00PM
Monday:
Closed
  Roma's Italian Bar & Grill in Sulphur Springs has a wide variety of delicious menu options delicious Italian specialties, sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts, pizza, steaks and offers live music, and catering! 
 

Phone:
(903) 919-5100

   
 
400 Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Haystacks  About

Hours
Tuesday - Saturday:
8:00 AM - 9:00PM
Sunday:
8:00AM - 3:00PM
Monday:
Closed
Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
 

Phone: (903) 689-2991

haystackstexas.com
 

206 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Redneck Bar and Grill  About

Hours
Sunday-Monday:
Closed
Tuesday- Thursday:
11am-2pm
5pm-8pm
Friday - Saturday:
11:00am - 9:00pm
Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
 

Phone: (903) 885-1600

 

211 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

Corner Grub House About

Hours

Monday - Friday:
7:30am - 4:00pm
Saturday:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
 

Phone: (903) 885-9225

 

cornergrubhouse.com

 

 

120 Main St.
Sulphur Springs, Tx 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

Plain & Fancy About
120 Main St.
Sulphur Springs, Tx 75482

Hours
Monday - Friday:
7:30am - 4:00pm
Saturday:
10:00am - 4:00pm

Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch! Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
(903) 885-9225
plainandfancyshoppe.com
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS