MEMORY LANE

When October comes around, the leaves start falling to the ground, Planting time has come and gone, and in the fields it is nice to roam.

My mind then wanders in the past, of things I’m thankful for at last. My church, my Home, my Family, my Friends, on all these things my life depends.

As we go through life from day to day there is a lot that we don’t say. I take for granted so many things that the good life brings.

I live in a land where I am free to be in Church if I want to be. To go to work from day to day for which I get pay.

I have two eyes, two arms, two legs and two ears, some have been without for years. I’d say I have reasonable health, and that alone is wealth.

I am thankful for my childhood youth when I was taught the truth. Mama and Papa took me to Church; I could have fallen into the Devil’s Lurch, but They told me about Jesus’ love and a home in heaven above.

As I look down memory lane, there are things I won’t see again. I can see Uncle Wiltz standing under the old hollow tree, with his hand in his pocket digging out candy for me... And Aunt Margie standing close by always a twinkle in her eye.

I see Dr. Kelly with Bible in hand; The Lord never made a better man.
Wm. Ward & his family were there, his tenor voice filling the air, and Stella playing the piano so clear; I’ll tell you now everybody could hear.

Uncle Francis & Aunt Cora too they lived in a house that was trimmed blue. Then Andrew & Lena Belle, their family I remember well; they had a rope swing in a tree. Boy that was fun to me.

Then to Uncle Edmonds after Church, with all the cousins from near and far; some even had a car.

I remember the ribbon cane patch, with a gate and a big latch. Then we would go to the syrup mill down in the valley over the hill.

Now Amos & Eula they had a crew. Fonda and I had fun too; we’d ride Edd’s Goats and swing on the grapevine, then get back to church on time.

Then there were the people on the Sand Flat. Oliver, Ward and Fat, they had a nice family to raise and expected no praise.

There was Aunt Jenie, Bunch, Sam, Bill and Lane, Sally Crocker and Aunt Jayne. They knew what was going on even without a telephone………..

There was Harrison and Minnie Wilbanks, for that family we give thanks. There was the Sanders Boys, they never made much noise.

Ida Kelly, Hoss, Avis & Winfred Green, always at Church they were seen. Jim & Della Malone, we missed them you know ‘cause my mamma loved her so.

There was Madison, Suzie & Aunt Ann. He was a good preacher and a good man. Marvin Johnson, served the Lord every day and knew him in a Special Way——— Tom Lunsford and Robert Cook, on these preachers I could write a book.

Mr.Rafe Gaines and his family of four, always smiling at the door. He would walk for miles in that sheep skin coat; nothing seemed too heavy to tote.

I look back on those days and the many people and many ways; how they all touched me I don’t really know, but they had to I know.

Now I know I have a home in Heaven so fair, with a family waiting there. Mama & Papa and Brother G., his wife Zula you see.

There is Otis and Roy my Brothers—in—Law; the best two men you ever saw.

There is Uncle Ed., Cris, Sarter and Dick; they all laid down their walking stick. There was a baby taken so young; it looked so healthy and so strong God said we would understand when we reach his Heaven Land………

There is Aunt Eva, Aunt Myrtle and Aunt Lane, no more do they use a cane.

So many things we think each day will always be the same old way . . .But as I look back down memory lane—--—There are things I won’t see again.

Life changes from day to day and there is no bringing back yesterday.

I DON’T TAKE FOR GRANTED ANYTHING, I THANK THE LORD FOR EVERYTHING!
Psalms: 100

1997