Rainbows

Today was a hard day...the funeral for Ken was this morning. The Skyland Fire Department brought out their color guard and they blocked every intersection from Groce to the the cemetery. It was especially hard to drive past Ken's house. The road will not be a bother to him anymore. Everyone talks about progress..making roads wider, schools larger, and bringing in more people. Not something I want for Avery's Creek. I can say that because I am here, already moved, and a member of this great community. I drive past Aunt Eva's house everyday and hear her voice..."Now Charlie". Where SE's cows always stood is now a subdivision. But there is gold at the bottom of this dark cloud, at the the end of the rainbow. I am lucky to remember these great folks we have lost. To hear Jesse Ledbetter tell me last night it good to see the Johnston Farm still running. To know I can walk into the local restaurant and everyone waves and knows you by name and the glass of sweet tea is waiting at the corner. I have lived in big cities and small towns all cross this country but the place I call home in here on the farm. It was said today at Ken's funeral if you know Ken you were his friend. We can learn a lot about life from this older generation and hopefully pass it on to our kids. As the flag was being folded and the bag pipes played Amazing Grace a certain wave came across me. A calming one. Live life to the fullest, smile at everyone who passes you, and never go to bed angry. What will be said when I am gone...I will not know. But I hope that my family will be as close as the Corn were and always has been. I salute you Mr Corn for the service to your family, this community, and the fire department. The 5 5 5 bells will never leave my mind. Your job is complete.