Part of our happiness has been due to the lovely downtown here in Midland.

Therefore, it was with great sadness that we learned of the sale of Edward's Mall, to be used to enlarge a local bank. Several prosperous small businesses are faced with moving or, more seriously, going out of business.

It was our practice, and that of many others, to do our shopping at the local stores, all of them close together and very handy, and then to enjoy coffee or lunch at The Eatery. Parking was never a problem, because of the large parking lot right behind.

What a sad situation, that our downtown, which has been a pleasant place to stroll, shop, and eat is being taken over by big business.

We had a town with a great deal of character, but it seems that we may soon be losing that.

This may be considered progress, but I strongly believe that we have taken a giant step backward in improving our town.