Podcast Title: The Moth
Host/Author: The Moth
Episode: Wanda Bullard: Small Town Prisoner
Release Date: November 15, 2010
Introduction
In this captivating episode of The Moth, storyteller Wanda Bullard shares a poignant and humorous tale from her upbringing in the small town of Prentice County, Mississippi. Recorded in 2009 during a Moth event in Savannah, Georgia, under the theme of "coming home," Wanda recounts the unforgettable actions of her father, George Woolford, a beloved community figure whose unexpected decision left a lasting impression on their tight-knit town.
Background: A Life Rooted in Community
[03:51] Wanda begins by painting a vivid picture of her father’s early life. "He grew up with eight other siblings on a farm," she explains, highlighting the humble and hardworking beginnings that shaped George. Marrying at 20, he faced the tragedy of losing his first wife and raising two daughters on his own. Later, he remarried Wanda's mother, expanding his family and ultimately becoming the proud grandfather of Wanda, the youngest in the family.
George’s professional life was equally rooted in community service. Primarily a bird dog, he supplemented his income with odd jobs like house painting. However, his transition into politics marked a significant shift. Persuaded by friends and neighbors, George ran for the board of aldermen—a role akin to city council—and was elected by a landslide, reflecting his popularity and the town’s trust in him.
George Woolford: The Engaged Fire Commissioner
Appointed as the fire commissioner, George diverged from his predecessors by immersing himself fully in the role. "He liked to get involved," Wanda notes, illustrating his proactive nature. One of his first acts was to personally manage the fire department’s telephone line, ensuring he was immediately aware of any emergencies. This dedication led him to attend fires both day and night, not out of expertise in firefighting, but to support and encourage the young men serving alongside him.
As George aged, he ceded night driving responsibilities to Wanda, who dutifully took on the task of chauffeuring him during late-night emergencies. Despite several terms in office, George eventually decided to step back from his official duties, though he remained connected to the camaraderie he cherished within the fire and police departments.
The Unforeseen Act of Kindness
The crux of Wanda’s story revolves around an extraordinary incident that tested George’s integrity and compassion. While assisting at the police department, George encountered a young man incarcerated for drunk and disorderly conduct. Intrigued by the man's demeanor, George struck up a conversation, aiming to understand his situation.
[06:15] “He seemed like a nice young man,” Wanda recounts, emphasizing her father’s innate ability to see the good in others. The young man revealed that he owed a $200 fine and was stranded without means to repay it. Seizing the opportunity to help, George concocted a plan: he offered the young man a chance to borrow his father’s keys, allowing him access to his impounded blue Chevrolet.
Wanda explains how George, almost against his own authority, released the prisoner by providing him with the keys. “He always trusted his instincts about people,” she shares, underscoring George’s reliance on intuition over protocol.
Consequences and Community Response
George’s decision triggered a wave of confusion and concern among his colleagues. Police officers, unaccustomed to such leniency, questioned his actions. “Mr. George, why did you do that?” one officer demanded, puzzled by the disappearance of the prisoner.
Undeterred, George remained steadfast in his belief that the young man would honor his word and return the fine. “I know that boy’s coming back,” George confidently stated, leaving the officers speechless and scrambling to cover the breach in protocol.
As the hours passed without the young man’s return, skepticism grew. The police grappled with how to address the situation without tarnishing George’s esteemed reputation. Some suggested tearing up the paperwork to reverse the arrest, but George refused, maintaining his stance on trust and redemption.
The Return of the Young Man
[13:29] Just as doubts began to overshadow George’s actions, the young man made an unexpected return. Clean-cut and respectful, he approached the front desk to pay his fine. “Excuse me, I’d like to pay my fine,” he announced, catching everyone’s attention.
As Wanda narrates, the realization dawned on the police officers that George’s gamble had paid off. The young man handed over the $200, issuing a heartfelt apology for his tardiness. “Oh, by the way, Mr. Bullard, I’m sorry I was late getting back, but I had to wait in line at the barbershop,” he remarked, hinting at a return to normalcy and perhaps a newfound respect for George’s unconventional methods.
Reflections: Lessons from a Small Town
Wanda concludes her story by reflecting on the profound impact of her father’s actions. George’s willingness to bend the rules for the sake of believing in someone’s potential exemplifies the essence of community and trust. His actions fostered a sense of safety and belonging, reinforcing the fabric that holds small towns together.
Notable Quotes
- [03:51] "He grew up with eight other siblings on a farm."
- [06:15] “He seemed like a nice young man.”
- [10:45] “I turned him loose.”
- [13:29] “I know that boy’s coming back.”
Conclusion
Wanda Bullard’s Small Town Prisoner is more than just a story about an unexpected act of kindness; it’s a reflection on the power of trust, community, and the impact one individual can have on an entire town. Through her father’s unwavering belief in second chances, Wanda illustrates how empathy and integrity can bridge gaps and foster lasting relationships, even in the most unexpected circumstances.
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