May 2026

Texarkana Magazine

MAY • 2026

LIFE OF TXK PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

May | 2026 | Volume 7 | Issue 5

72. LOCAL GIFT GUIDE 2026 Spring Edition 74. TXK ROOTS Jake Lewis

14. cover/CULTURE Life of TXK Photo Contest 2026 Winners 28. SPORTS The Exception

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48. STYLE Sacred Space 61. GRADUATES Class of 2026

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36. ENTERTAINMENT Good Evening TXK 40. LIFE Modern Midwives

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What is something you pretend to understand but don’t?

CASSY MEISENHEIMER The Cloud I know it’s important, but that’s about it.

TERRI SANDEFUR When someone tells you that a putt is going right to left. Which way is that?

ALANA MOREL Politics

KARA HUMPHREY Website Cookies I always click, “Accept All,” and I have no idea what I’m agreeing to.

MATT CORNELIUS Women

LEAH ORR Directions

BRITTANY ROBLES Cooking Measurements

When someone points and says, “Head west,” I’m just so thankful they pointed!

I measure with my heart and deal with the consequences.

TERRI COX Men

LESLI FLOWERS I pretend I know how to put things together, but never fail to miss a step in the directions book.

BAILEY GRAVITT Small Talk

I CAN do it, but I don’t understand why anyone would want to.

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CONTRIBUTORS

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

M y oldest son, John Henry, just finished his freshman year on the Texas High varsity golf team. I had the opportunity to watch every bit of it, and I learned quickly that I did not know as much as I thought I did. Team golf is a different kind of pressure. Every shot belongs to more than just you, and you can feel that. As a spectator, I had a few

txkmag.com letstalk@txkmag.com 903-949-6886 OFFICE 911 North Bishop Street Building C • Suite 102 Wake Village, Texas 75501 MAIL 2801 Richmond Road #38 Texarkana, Texas 75503

Publisher CARDINAL PUBLISHING Staff CASSY MEISENHEIMER cassy@txkmag.com TERRI SANDEFUR terri@txkmag.com

habits to break. You cannot talk to them, and you have to stay one shot ahead of the group. At district and regional tournaments, you cannot hand them a drink, a snack, or say a word. This is especially challenging for someone whose spiritual gift is talking. Staying quiet and out of the way might have been the hardest part of the whole season for me. At the beginning of the season, I had no idea where it would go. By the time the district tournament rolled around, something had shifted. You could see it in the way they carried themselves. They were locked in. They won district by more than 35 strokes, a margin I had not expected but celebrated. Heading into regionals felt different after that. We were hopeful, but we knew we were stepping into a different level of competition. Highland Park and Walnut Prosper Grove are the real deal, and watching our boys compete alongside them was exciting. A few of us moms spent the tournament tracking every movement on the leaderboard app, making screenshotting a personality trait. Every climb felt significant, and every update was worth saving. The final hole is one I would prefer to forget, but that is how it goes. The boys finished fourth overall, just six strokes shy of a state berth, which is not something anyone would have predicted at the start. There is a lot to be proud of, and it is not just the golf. It is the way they handled the pressure and the moments that did not go their way. Getting to know this group of kids and their families has been one of the best parts of all of it. In this month’s issue, we have our annual photo contest, sponsored by State Bank. Choosing winners was difficult because we have real talent in this area. This year’s cover was captured right here at Texarkana Country Club and features one of my son’s golf teammates, Fox Hambleton. We have never had a sports action cover before, but when we saw the sand, the ball, and the moment all come together, we knew it had to be the one. We also feature Arkansas High standout student-athlete Addison Girley, the midwives making a difference at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital, a beautiful home in the style section, and all your monthly favorites. And do not skip the gift guide. With Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, graduation, and Nurses Appreciation Week all landing this month, we have pulled together some wonderful local gift ideas. Shop close to home when you can. It matters. Thank you, as always, for reading. And this month especially, take care of your momma, your teachers, and your nurses. They have earned it.

ALANA MOREL alana@txkmag.com KARA HUMPHREY kara@txkmag.com LEAH ORR leah@txkmag.com BRITTANY ROBLES brittany@txkmag.com MATT CORNELIUS matt@txkmag.com

Local Sources CLARE ANGIER MARY CAROLINE ANGIER JOE REGAN

TAYLOR SIDES KEVIN SUTTON

CRAFTED IN TEXARKANA. EMPLOYEE OWNED AND LOCALLY SOURCED.

#txkmag

Texarkana Magazine is a multimedia publication showcasing the Texarkana area and is designed and published by Cardinal Publishing, LLC. Articles in Texarkana Magazine should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Ideaology, products, and services promoted in the publication are not necessarily endorsed by Texarkana Magazine . © Texarkana Magazine . All rights reserved. All content is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

TEXARKANA MAGAZINE

The Life of TXK Photo Contest showcases photography across multiple classifications. This year’s winners were selected in the categories of sports, low-light, photojournalism, smartphone, macro, wildlife, and aerial/drone photography. These images represent a range of approaches, subjects, and perspectives from across the Texarkana area.

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OVERALL WINNER (ON THE COVER)

Sports Photography Athletes, teams, and moments of competition that capture the energy, intensity, and emotion of sports in the Texarkana area. Sports photography often requires quick reflexes, fast shutter speeds, and precise timing to freeze peak action and tell the story of the game.

“Chip Shot” by Annie Smith

INSPIRATION This was actually my very first time photographing golf, so I went in knowing nothing except the fact that I wanted to capture a unique shot. I started noticing how the sand would spray into the air when players chipped out of the bunker, and that moment really inspired me. I moved to the opposite side of the green to compose my photo and waited for another golfer to land in the sand trap.

NAME Annie Smith AGE 17 DAY JOB Student at Texas High School CAMERA Canon R6 Mark II

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STATE BANK SELECTION

Low-Light Photography Events, landmarks, people, and moments in the Texarkana area captured in the quiet hours of early morning or after dark. Low-light photography often requires longer exposure times, higher ISO settings, wider apertures, and manual focus for greater control and clarity.

“Land of Plenty” by Nick Duke

INSPIRATION I have always liked photographing rural landscapes. Grain bins, barns, and old farm equipment all make great subjects. This particular bin is not far from my house, so I have photographed it several times in different conditions. One morning, I drove by on the way to work and noticed an almost full moon setting over the fields. I thought if I could get a full moon aligned over the bin, it might make a good picture. A couple of nights later, the moon was full. I got there early, set up my camera, and waited as the moon slowly made its way toward the grain bin. I was there for close to an hour and took probably 50 pictures, but this one was my favorite.

NAME Nick Duke AGE 54 DAY JOB Rental Manager at Scott Equipment CAMERA Sony A7R III

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Photojournalism Real moments that document life, events, and stories within the Texarkana community. Photojournalism focuses on authenticity and storytelling, capturing candid scenes with minimal interference or manipulation to preserve the truth of the moment.

“Americana” by Michael Wells

INSPIRATION As I have branched into the varying genres of photography, my goals began to reveal themselves over the years. When it comes down to it, I love to tell a story. With this particular photo, the likeness of Old Glory’s red, white, and blue with the incredible up-and-coming country musician, Lane Bricker, deep in focus on his craft speaks to determination, perseverance, and Americana.

NAME Michael Wells AGE 27 DAY JOB Technology Teacher at Martha and Josh Morriss

Mathematics and Engineering Elementary School

CAMERA Canon EOS M6 Mark II

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Macro Photography Close-up images that reveal the intricate details of small subjects found in and around the Texarkana area. Macro photography highlights texture, pattern, and form, often using specialized lenses or settings to bring tiny elements into sharp, larger-than-life focus.

NAME Hannah Milhorn AGE 30 DAY JOB Full-Time Photographer and Mom CAMERA Nikon Z 6II

“Soft in Bloom” by Hannah Milhorn

INSPIRATION I am inspired by the small details, especially in spring when everything feels soft and full of texture. This was a simple moment that stood out to me.

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Smartphone Photography Images captured using mobile devices that emphasize accessibility, spontaneity, and composition. Smartphone photography uses technology to automatically enhance light, detail, and clarity, allowing high-quality images without traditional equipment. It removes barriers, making it easier to capture meaningful moments.

“Then, Now” by James Gillihan

INSPIRATION I am a huge fan of black and white photography (Ansel Adams, Anthony Schmidt, etc.). My dad was very nostalgic. He loved old people, old places, and old things, and that is where I get it from. When I passed the museum that night, it reminded me of riding down Texas Boulevard as a kid and seeing the cars on display in the windows. Good memories inspire great images, and great images bring back good memories.

NAME James Gillihan AGE 48 DAY JOB Material Examiner, DLA at Red River Army Depot CAMERA iPhone 15 Pro Max

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Wildlife Photography Animals captured in their natural habitats throughout the Texarkana area showcase behavior, personality, and the beauty of the natural world. Wildlife photography requires patience, timing, and respect for the subject’s environment.

“Oh no. I’m caught!” by Robert J. Haley

INSPIRATION I love animals and enjoy capturing them in their natural environment. This little guy was happily eating until he saw me. Then he paused and looked at me as if he were in trouble. The look on his face was priceless! I took his photo, then eased away as he resumed his dinner.

NAME Robert J. Haley AGE 56 DAY JOB Chief Information Officer at Collom & Carney Clinic CAMERA Canon R8

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Aerial/Drone Photography Photographs taken from above that offer a unique perspective of the Texarkana area. Aerial and drone photography highlight patterns, scale, and landscape in ways not visible from the ground, often revealing new and compelling viewpoints.

NAME Eric Ethridge AGE 42 DAY JOB City of Texarkana,

Arkansas Media Manager

CAMERA DJI Mavic 3

“Gator Raid” by Eric Ethridge

INSPIRATION Alligators can be hard to photograph because they sit so low to the ground and do not provide many action opportunities. They also blend into the scenery at eye level. I wanted to see what they looked like from above, and I was surprised to find how contrasting they are from that angle. This photo offered a unique symmetry.

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SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Arkansas High School’s Addison Girley controls her opponent in a match during a conference dual at Razorback Gym on January 23, 2025.

Every so often, a teenager comes along who reminds you just how much is possible. Addison Girley is that kind of teenager. A senior at Arkansas High School, Addison’s list of achievements reads as if it belongs to an entire graduating class rather than one person. She is a varsity starter in volleyball and basketball and earned 5A South All-Conference honors in both, along with Academic All-State recognition. She is also a back-to-back state wrestling champion, a state champion discus thrower, a three-time National Cheerleaders Association All-American cheerleader, and the 2025 Miss Arkansas High. Addison also serves in the Army National Guard as a combat engineer. And that is before you get to her community service, national honor societies, and the college scholarships awaiting her in Jonesboro at Arkansas State University. But a list only tells you what someone has done. It does not tell you who they are. Addison is the daughter of Kortina Davis, a former college volleyball and basketball player who had her own hopes for the path her daughter might take. “As a mom, I wanted my daughter to follow in my footsteps,” Kortina said. She has far exceeded her mother’s expectations. Addison worked her way into starting roles on the varsity volleyball and basketball teams and earned all-conference recognition in both. She maintained the GPA required for Academic All-State and kept showing up, kept adding, and kept raising her hand for the next thing. Then, in the fall of 2024, she wandered into the first home wrestling duel of the season at Arkansas High, and something sparked in her.

Addison dribbles during a March 2024 game, where she earned Offensive MVP honors at a Queen City tournament.

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“When I walked into the gym that first day, I was immediately drawn to the process,” Addison said. “I loved the way they warmed up, and you could sense the chemistry they had as a team.” The coaches’ confidence in their athletes, the culture they had built—it was all the invitation she needed. She stepped onto the mat and never looked back. For Kortina, watching her daughter wrestle for the first time was something else entirely. “I was a ball of emotion,” she said. “It was both extremely exhilarating and nerve-wracking. I found myself crying and cheering at the same time. My main concern was that she didn’t get hurt and that her face didn’t get scratched.” Thankfully, her face stayed intact, and so did her winning streak. Addison claimed back-to-back regional and state championship titles for Arkansas High. While she was collecting wrestling hardware, Addison was also putting in work as a discus thrower in track and field. She had fallen short of a state title her sophomore year and spent the offseason making deliberate, measurable improvements. It paid off. She won at the state meet and earned an invitation to the Arkansas Meet of Champions at Harding University in Searcy, a prestigious event that brings together the top athletes from every classification across the state. She went in with a personal best of 132 feet. On her final throw of the day, she let the discus fly and watched it land at 144 feet 5 inches. It was good enough to win. What happened next is the kind of thing you would not believe if you had not been there to see it. Leaving the meet, a stranger called out for Addison. He told her he had just seen her compete, and he was going to call Coach Kraft at Arkansas State University. Kortina was skeptical because they did not know this man and knew little about Arkansas State. However, “by the time we made it to Little Rock from Searcy, Coach Kraft was already on the phone with Addison,” Kortina said. “I couldn’t believe it.” Addison’s reach extends well beyond athletic fields. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America, Future Business Leaders of America, the Arkansas High School Student Council, and the Army

As a middle hitter and blocker, Addison rises at the net for a hit during a 2025 game.

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National Guard. She is a Las Amigas Debutante and a proud member of Top Teens of America and the SWORD and SHIELD Organization. She has volunteered at local homeless shelters, led voter registration drives, coordinated meal donations, and contributed to community beautification efforts throughout Texarkana. She earned the community service learning credit offered through both the Texarkana Arkansas School District and the state of Arkansas. Accomplishing so much takes planning, commitment, talent, and many hours that could otherwise be spent carefree with friends. To keep all of it from swallowing her whole, Addison has had to be strategic. “If I think about it too much, I will get overwhelmed,” she said. “For me, the key to juggling my activities, job, schoolwork, and life is by simply doing it.” Faith also plays a role in keeping her grounded. A lifelong member of Haynes Chapel Baptist Church in Hope, Arkansas, Addison draws strength from her church community alongside everything else she carries. And her motivation is not just one person but an entire group of them. “It’s my family. They inspire me to always strive for more.” Addison is also one of Arkansas High’s Collegiate Academy students through the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana, adding another layer to her academic record. She has committed to Arkansas State University, where she will compete as a discus thrower for the Red Wolves. Her vision for the future is as layered as everything else about her. She wants to become a radiologist, build real wealth, and have a family of her own, and a bakery or small business somewhere in the mix would not surprise anyone who knows her. Kortina said it best, the way mothers sometimes do when the child they raised has become someone the entire community is proud of, “That goes to show how God predestined her path. She is walking in her true calling.”

Addison plans to attend Arkansas State University, where she will compete as a discus thrower for the Red Wolves.

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If you have ever experienced hospice, you already know that nurses don’t just show up with medical charts and medications. They show up ready to give of themselves, their time, their energy, their patience, and their heart. Blair Lloyd is funny in a way that sneaks up on you, with the driest sense of humor of anyone I have ever met. But more than that, she carries a kind of compassion that brings so much comfort—the kind of presence that makes you feel like everything is going to be okay, even when you know it won’t be. May is National Nurses Month, and it’s nurses like Blair who truly deserve the spotlight. She’s been a nurse for six years, starting in the hospital before finding her way into hospice, and like far too many nurses, she knows what it feels like to be underappreciated—to give everything you have and still feel like it’s not fully seen. In a hospital, everything moves fast. Patients come and go, and there is rarely time to truly know the people you are caring for. But in hospice, the pace slows, the walls come down, and you are not just caring for a patient; you are walking alongside a family in one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives. Blair still thinks about my granny, standing in her housecoat at 3:00 a.m., thanking her and apologizing for not being “put together” in the moments shortly before Pop’s time to leave this earth. That so perfectly describes Granny: gracious, a little flustered, and wanting to present her best, even in the middle of devastating heartbreak. And Blair met her right there, without judgment or pretense, just a steady presence. Hospice nursing isn’t just clinical. It’s nervous conversations with family at odd hours, and quiet reassurances. It is a nurse literally stepping into a family’s story and becoming a part of it. To this day, my granny still texts Blair “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year,” and I don’t think there’s a better way to explain the bond that hospice care creates. They are lasting bonds that are built in the quiet, in-between moments. Nurses are right there in it with you, not above you or separate from you, but with you. If you are a nurse reading this, I know firsthand through my experience with Blair’s beautiful heart for my family that what you do matters more than you will ever realize. Even on those days with families who don’t appreciate what you do, when it feels routine and mundane, on the days when no one says “thank you,” and on the days when you drive home exhausted, wondering if you gave enough, you did. You do. People carry what you give them far longer than you will ever know. It is one of the greatest privileges of my life that someone like Blair, someone I love, respect, and now consider family, was the one standing in that room with us. She helped guide my pop home with a level of care and compassion that will forever be unmatched. But this isn’t just one story, one nurse, and one family I’m wanting to highlight. This speaks to something so much bigger. I believe the most meaningful work in the world doesn’t come with recognition or applause. It happens quietly, in the early hours of the morning, standing in the kitchen with a woman in her housecoat—no makeup and unfixed hair—while her husband takes his final breaths in the room next to them. Thank God there’s a nurse standing right in the middle of that space, holding not just the patient, but their whole family, and making all the difference.

Hospice nurse, Blair Lloyd, Bailey Gravitt, and Alvin “Pops” Beaird

GOOD EVENING TXK COLUMN BY BAILEY GRAVITT

I n late July 2024, I stood in a room surrounded by the people who loved my pop the most. The love of Granny’s life left this world the way most of us can only hope we someday will: held, prayed over, and deeply, deeply loved. Standing over Pop’s body, through tears, my granny remarked, “How blessed are we?” In the middle of that morning’s peaceful scene stood Blair Lloyd, a Heritage Home Health and Hospice nurse I admire.

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TXK Book Club MAY RECOMMENDATION

Faces & Places MAY

May 1 Dinosaur World Live Hempstead Hall 7 pm May 1 Mental Health Update TAMU-T, Eagle Hall 8 am-5 pm May 2

May 16 Veterans Information Fair Texas Elks Lodge 8:30 am-12:30 pm May 21 LNK TXK Golf Tournament New Haven Golf Club 12 pm May 21 Chamber Business After Hours Texana Bank-Richmond Road 4:30-6:30 pm May 25 Memorial Day Service Hillcrest Memorial Park 2 pm May 26 Arkansas Elite Barrel Racing Finals Four States Fairgrounds May 26-29 TRAHC Art Wall Camp Texarkana Regional Arts Center May 30 Red Shield Youth Centers: Hope RUSH Duck “FUN” Raiser Big Dam Waterpark 10:30 am-4 pm May 30 Billy Gardell Live Texarkana Texas Convention Center 7 pm May 30 Run for Her-Grace House 5k Spring Lake Park 8 am May 29 & 30 24 Hour Musical Silvermoon Theatre

BOOK The Correspondent by Virginia Evans GENRE Literary Fiction RATING

Walk for Life 5K Spring Lake Park 7 am-12 pm May 2

11th Annual Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival Spring Lake Park 11 am-6 pm May 3 TRAHC Student Juried Exhibition Reception 1:00 pm May 6 Women in Business The Primary Court Event Center 10:30 am-3 pm May 7 Haven Homes Celebration Texarkana Arkansas Convention Center 6 pm May 7 Annual Health and Wellness Fair Southwest Center 10 am-2 pm May 8 Downtown Live! Downtown Texarkana 6-9 pm May 9 Taco Festival Downtown Festival Plaza 11 am-6 pm May 16 Give Back Basketball Game TAMU-T Patterson Center 3:00 pm

SYNOPSIS In The Correspondent , Virginia Evans crafts an intimate and deeply moving portrait of a life told through letters.

The novel follows Sybil Van Antwerp, a sharp-witted woman in her seventies whose lifelong habit of correspondence becomes a window into her past, revealing love, loss, regrets, and long-buried secrets. As her letters unfold, readers piece together the complexities of her relationships and the choices that shaped her, discovering that even the smallest connections can carry profound meaning. Thoughtful, quietly powerful, and rich with emotional insight, this beautiful novel is a celebration of memory, forgiveness, and the enduring power of human connection READER’S TAKE “I loved reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans because it reminded me how meaningful real, personal communication can be. The way the story unfolds through letters feels so intimate and genuine, like getting a glimpse into someone’s heart in a way that texts or emails just can’t match. It made me slow down and appreciate the beauty of thoughtful words, and it honestly inspired me to start writing handwritten letters to people in my own life. There’s something so special about putting pen to paper, and this book brought that feeling back to life for me.” —Stephanie Yowell

Faces & Places showcases community events. View photos from local happenings on our website, txkmag.com . “Everyone is famous in their hometown.”

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MODERN MIDWIVES BY TERRI COX

Certified Nurse Midwives Brittany Nieves, CNM, Pamela Wyatt, APRN, CNM, WHNP-BC, and Hollie Sharrock, FNP-C, CNM

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Midwives Brittany Nieves and Pamela Wyatt, with registered nurse and mother Candace Stine, after assisting with the delivery of her newborn son, Alex, at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital.

There is something sacred about life’s beginnings: the first breath, the first cry, the first time a mother locks eyes with the life she has carried. In those moments, time stands still. The world narrows into something both fragile and powerful.

A s Mother’s Day approaches, we are reminded that every mother’s story begins somewhere, often with the compassionate presence of someone walking beside her. For some in our community, that presence is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). A CNM stands faithfully “with women,” as the word midwife literally means, helping usher in not just a new life but a new identity for that woman, that of becoming a mother. For Pamela Wyatt, the calling came early. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1996, she stepped into the fast- paced, emotional world of labor and delivery at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas. Even then, she knew her role was only the beginning of something more. “My lifelong fascination with childbirth and the beginning of life inspired my career choice,” Wyatt said. “While I truly enjoyed my role assisting with deliveries, I aspired to take a more active part by performing deliveries myself.” That aspiration led her back to school, and in 2006, she completed her master’s degree, becoming both a CNM and a women’s healthcare nurse practitioner. With that, she

stepped into history, becoming the first CNM practicing in Hunt County and beginning her work delivering babies at Presbyterian Hospital in Greenville, Texas. Over the course of her career, Wyatt has delivered about 5,000 babies, and she describes each one as “unique and meaningful.” Yet, even with thousands of births behind her, the wonder never fades. “I especially feel honored when helping couples who have faced infertility challenges,” she says. “Those deliveries bring me particular joy and pride, because I know how long those parents have anxiously awaited and hoped for a precious child.” It’s a perspective that reveals the heart of midwifery, which comprises not just clinical skill but a deep emotional investment in every story that unfolds with each delivery. Today, Wyatt works as a midwife for CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital as part of the OB Hospitalist Group (OBHG), where she serves as the director of midwifery services. As the first CNM in the program, she helped lay the foundation for what has now grown into a team of five midwives, all committed to improving

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Candace Stine is supported by midwives Brittany and Pamela as she labors and prepares to welcome her newborn.

outcomes and experiences for mothers across the region. Her leadership was recently recognized with the first-ever OBHG CNM Leadership Award, an honor that reflects both her expertise and her unwavering dedication. That impact has not gone unnoticed by the physicians she works alongside. Dr. D’Andra Bingham, who has worked closely with midwives throughout her career, recalls the program’s early days with excitement. “I worked closely with CNMs during my training at Parkland Hospital, so I was very excited when CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital decided to start the midwifery program,” she said. “However, for a lot of the staff, it was a brand-new idea. There could not have been anyone better than Pam Wyatt to be our first midwife. She quickly proved herself to be an extremely competent, knowledgeable, and caring team member. She was able to expand the program to have a midwife covering labor and delivery 24/7. I have worked closely with every one of our midwives, and they have become such a valuable asset to the moms and babies in our community. We are lucky to have Pam and her team.” That collaborative success is echoed by Dr. Ann Marie Ledley, Maternal Medical Director and OBHG Site Director, who has seen firsthand how integrating midwives has strengthened care across the board. “The addition of midwives to our OB Hospitalist Program at St. Michael has enhanced the care we provide to women in Texarkana and the surrounding communities,” she explains. “Their presence brings a more holistic, patient-centered approach to childbirth while supporting safe, high-quality obstetrical care.” Beyond experience and atmosphere, the results are measurable. “This collaborative model has also contributed to improved outcomes, including a reduction in the primary cesarean section rate among first-time mothers. Our cesarean section rate dropped by approximately 10%,” Ledley adds. A CNM is far more than many people realize. As advanced practice registered nurses, CNMs provide comprehensive care for

women at every stage of life, including pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and beyond. They perform gynecological exams, provide family planning guidance, address reproductive health needs, and collaborate with physicians when complications arise. Beyond the clinical responsibility lies something a bit harder to define and perhaps more important. Midwives care for the emotional and spiritual well-being of their patients. They listen, reassure, and create space for women to voice their fears and hopes, and to ask questions. They empower mothers to trust their bodies and take an active role in the birth experience. “The woman leads her own body and birthing experience,” Wyatt explains, “while the midwife serves as a supportive guide.” That philosophy is echoed in the words of fellow midwife, Hollie Sharrock, FNP-C, CNM, who describes her work not just as a profession but as a privilege. “It is pure joy to walk alongside a woman who is pregnant,” she said. “To be chosen as a trusted individual, someone they trust with a very intimate part of life, is humbling.” Sharrock is quick to acknowledge that while labor and delivery rooms are often joyful spaces, they are also places where heartbreak can live. “Yes, generally it is happy, and we celebrate new life, but there are other moments we come face-to-face with as well. It is in those moments when I want to speak directly to that mother’s heart and tell her that this loss or poor diagnosis is not her fault.” In those moments, midwives become more than medical providers. They become anchors. “I find a way to start giving her hope on possibly the worst day of her life as a parent.” And then there are the moments that require strength of a different kind, the moments when a mother feels she cannot go on. “Sometimes a woman needs simple reassurance from another woman,” Sharrock says, “someone who will stand next to her and say, ‘I believe in you. I am right here. You were created for this moment. Come on now, let’s have a baby.’ Pure joy is on the other

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Brittany Nieves delivers a newborn, welcoming the family’s first baby.

Hollie Sharrock holds a newborn she helped deliver during her missionary work in Africa.

Pamela Wyatt accepts the “Excellence in Midwifery Leadership” award with OB Hospitalist Group CEO Lenny Castiglione.

side of her digging deep and not giving up.” It is in those words, firm yet full of compassion, that mothers often find the strength they didn’t know they had. Midwifery is also surrounded by misconceptions. Many assume midwives only attend home births, that they cannot have an epidural, or that they cannot have any pain control, but CNMs practicing in hospital settings offer a full spectrum of care. What sets midwifery apart is not the absence of medical care but having a choice. Sharrock recalls the shift she witnessed when women began to understand they could move during labor, choose positions of comfort, and trust their bodies rather than follow rigid expectations such as being confined to their backs. “Watching a woman trust her body is empowering to her and exciting for a midwife to witness,” she adds. That empowerment is not only something providers see. It is something patients feel. Candace Stine, a registered nurse at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital, experienced that firsthand when she chose a midwife to deliver her first child. “I chose a midwife because I felt more comfortable and supported,” she shared. “They are known for being flexible and creating a more relaxed experience. During my labor, they helped me stay calm and never rushed me, which made such a difference.” For Stine, that thoughtful approach shaped both her experience and her outcome. “As a first-time mom, I had a great delivery, which truly felt like an answered prayer. I would absolutely recommend a midwife. They are a great option for moms who want someone personable, supportive, and willing to walk through the experience with them.” Brittany Nieves, a CNM at CHRISTUS St. Michael Hospital, echoes that same heart for holistic care. “Midwifery is so much more than just the physical part of birth,” she says. “As a mother of three myself, I understand what it is like during the vulnerable times. Whether it is reassurance, prayer, or providing resources that

can help you postpartum before you go home, we can do that. I lost my own mother at eight months pregnant with my first child, so I can empathize with women who need more personal guidance through the hard times. I wish more people understood that as a nurse midwife that attends births in a hospital, we can take care of women who are both low-risk and high-risk patients as well. Whether you want a hands-off approach, need an induction of labor, or are having a cesarean section delivery, we are still there for you. As midwife hospitalists, we work hand in hand with amazing obstetricians to ensure that you and your baby are safe.” In the United States, only 10-12% of births are attended by midwives, a stark contrast to countries like the United Kingdom, where that number ranges from 50-70%. It is even higher in places like the Netherlands. Notably, midwifery care is associated with lower cesarean section rates and improved maternal outcomes. While the U.S. cesarean rate hovers around 30-32%, countries with higher midwife involvement see rates closer to 15%. These numbers tell an important story. But the real story is found in the lives changed, the hands held, and the encouragement shared in delivery rooms by midwives every single day. For Hollie Sharrock, the calling of being a midwife holds special significance at this time of year. “Mother’s Day is a very special day to me as a mother and midwife,” she said. “As a midwife, every day is Mother’s Day. I am passionate about women becoming mothers and other women surrounding them to help and encourage them in times of need.” As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we honor not only the mothers who hold their babies close but also the hands that helped guide them into the world. The midwives who stood beside them, believed in them, and reminded them of their strength when they needed it the most. Before the cards and flowers, celebrations and tributes, there was a moment, a sacred beginning, where a woman became a mother. And at that moment, she was not alone.

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SACRED SPACE PHOTOS BY MATT CORNELIUS

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L ocated just outside the Highland Park historic district, this 1928 Tudor-style home stands as a quiet piece of Texarkana history, refined over time yet grounded in its original character. With nearly a century of stories behind it, the home has evolved with intention, blending tradition with a lifestyle that feels current and personal. In December 1955, the home was dedicated as the rectory for St. James Episcopal Church, a gift from Gay Montague Moore in memory of her husband, Colonel Charles Beatty Moore, a West Point graduate who served in the United States Army. The home remained the rectory until 1984, when the church sold it to a young family who were members of the parish. In 2011, those owners sold it to their son and daughter-in-law, who were also members of the church. The home has seen thoughtful updates through the years, including a kitchen remodel in 1986 and a family room addition in the mid-1990s. In 2023, a new chapter began with a full kitchen renovation. The home’s layout balances classic structure with modern livability. The first floor includes the kitchen, living room, game room, formal dining, powder bath, and laundry. Upstairs has four bedrooms, two baths, and a library for a private retreat. White oak hardwood floors run throughout, bringing warmth and continuity, while the kitchen’s concrete tile adds contrast. Walls in Sherwin-Williams Gossamer Veil create a soft, neutral backdrop that allows both architectural details and collected pieces to stand out. Rather than feeling decorated, the home feels collected. Many of the pieces reflect the homeowners’ travels, including artwork sourced from Tanzania and textiles created by Shanga, a social enterprise supporting individuals with disabilities. A five-foot-tall Lego Eiffel Tower build stands as both a centerpiece and a memory from a family trip to Paris. One of the most meaningful pieces hangs above the fireplace, a photograph taken by a local photographer at the homeowners’ wedding reception. It is a reminder that the most important design elements are often the most personal.

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Outside, the landscape reflects a classic southern sensibility. Dogwoods, azaleas, knockout roses, and daylilies ensure something is always blooming, while a 2023 refresh of the front entry introduced oakleaf hydrangeas and blue oat grass for added structure. The backyard, however, is where the home truly comes to life and where the family loves to live. A charming summer house anchors the space, creating the perfect setting for spring evenings. With azaleas in bloom, a wood-burning pizza oven going, and family time unfolding naturally, whether it is a soccer ball in motion or a frisbee tossed for the family’s chocolate lab, the space feels effortless, lived-in, and full of joy. It is a setting that feels just as meaningful now as it has across the many lives and seasons this home has seen.

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LOCAL SOURCES LOCATION Texarkana, Texas REMODEL CONSTRUCTION CK Southern Construction INTERIOR DESIGN Lauren Callaway, selections from MerchantHouse Interiors THERMADOR APPLIANCES The Design Center at Red River Lumber FLOORING REFINISHING Carter Adams Floors INTERIOR PAINT COLOR Sherwin-Williams Gossamer Veil AUDIO/VISUAL Soundz Good Audio & Video INTERIOR BLINDS Thompson Home Interiors LLC

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