In September 1967, I graduated from U.S. Army Officer Candidate School in Fort Gordon, Georgia. My then high school sweetheart and soon-to-be wife Stephanie Miller traveled down for the event.
    After graduation, she presented me a small gift to commemorate the occasion. It was a carved dark wood figurine of a woman.
    Stephanie bought it at Aladdin’s Art Gallery. She picked it because it was unique and beautifully handcrafted. It was eye-catching and memorable – and, importantly, affordable.
    The shop, owned by Joe and Jackie Mock, had only recently opened on 13th Street in Ashland and the couple’s dream was to share a “world of wonders” with their small town.
    We soon named the small statue Suzy. Over the last 51 years, Suzy survived our three children and made seven moves with us. She currently occupies a place on a bookcase in a guest bedroom. Unlike us, she hasn’t aged a bit.
    A lot has changed in five decades but Aladdin’s is still there and it still offers high-quality, unique pieces of art.  In this issue of Bridges we highlight the store and its second-generation owner, Mary Johnson.  Like her parents, Johnson prides herself in finding that “something special” for her customers.
    When I look at Suzy now, I think of all the years that have gone by and all the moments of our lives she has observed from her perch. I suspect there are many families in Ashland who also have items that date back to the humble beginnings of Aladdin’s – items like our Suzy, which will live on after we are gone…