If I Could Turn Back Time… Lawrence Countians Share Their Golden Years

If you could turn back the clock and relive one age again, what would it be?

That’s the question we asked folks across Lawrence County, and the answers rolled in like warm memories on a summer breeze. From fishing trips with Grandpa to teenage days filled with laughter, over 40 Lawrence Countians shared what age they’d go back to—and why. Some wanted a do-over. Others just wanted to feel that freedom again. A few? They said, “no thanks—I’m happy right where I’m at.”

So what did we learn? A whole lot about what matters to people around here: family, simplicity, freedom, and the lessons that come with time.

The Most Popular Ages – And Why They Matter

When we tallied up the responses, some clear patterns emerged:

• 🧒 33% would return to childhood (ages 2–12)
  These folks remember the joy of being carefree. Carolyn Thornton said she’d go back to age 6—“not a care in the world.” Julia Kathleen Craig Cole picked 7, the year her family moved to Moulton. “It was absolute heaven,” she said. “We had 75 acres, a creek, and good neighborhood friends.”

• 🎒 42% would rewind to the teen years (ages 13–19)
  This was the most common range, with age 16 being the most popular single answer. Six different people chose it, including Heather Hill, who said she’d return to that time because “all my grandparents and parents were still alive.” For others, 16 meant big feelings, first milestones, and chances to fix youthful mistakes. As Sherry Nelson put it, “I’d fix vital mistakes—and there’s lots of them.”

• 🎓 19% would revisit their twenties (ages 20–29)
  Some wanted to feel young again, while others saw opportunities to tweak life choices. Vikki Zerbe Becker said she’d go back to 21 to make a few small changes—but she’s still “thrilled with the big choices.” Ricky Gene Terry picked 28, while others like Stacy Hurst and Josh Livingston would go back to 20.

• 🙅 14% said they wouldn’t go back at all
  Folks like Mitzi Trussell and Pamela Haynes shared a message of peace: they’re happy with where they are now. Steve Johnson, who turns 69 next month, summed it up perfectly: “All the turns in my life led me to where I am today. I will not look back—enjoy life and love.”

Witty Wisdom and Heartfelt Memories

There were plenty of funny and thoughtful takes, too. Dusty Dutton said he’d go back to age 10 just to say three words: “Buy Google stock.” Meanwhile, Karen Reding Hunter said she’d go back to 17—“and do some things VERY differently,” complete with an eye-roll emoji.

And while most people picked a specific age, some just wanted to relive a feeling. Teresa Pointer shared she’d return to the days of fishing with her grandpa and playing with her sisters—sometime between 9 and 12. “Those were carefree days,” she said, “and I miss them.”

Fast Facts:

• 🥇 Most popular single age: 16

• 💭 Most common reason for going back: To relive carefree days or fix regrets

• 🤝 Most emotional answers: Tied to lost family members and simpler times

• 💸 Funniest answer: Dusty Dutton’s investment advice

• 🙌 Most content responses: “I’m good where I’m at” was said by multiple folks, with a quiet sense of peace

So, What Age Would You Go Back To?

Whether you’d go back to swinging under oak trees, driving your first car, or just laughing with people who are no longer here—there’s something special about reflecting on where we’ve been.

Some of us want to change a thing or two. Others just want to feel that lightness one more time. And a lucky few? They’re just thankful for the road that brought them here.

👉 What about you? If you had the chance to turn back time, what age would you go back to—and why? Drop your answer in the comments or send us a message. You never know—you might just see your story in the next round.