Remembering the Good Ole' Days...

I’ve been reminiscing a lot lately about my childhood & growing up in south Alabama. As most of you know I was born & raised in the small town of Opp, AL. I say small but that doesn’t describe the heart of the town. I grew up fairly poor but I wouldn’t have changed a thing about how I was raised. I was taught to work hard & enjoy the simple things in life. My Mom & Dad showed me that the value of a person wasn’t measured by their clothes or belongings. They also taught me to be open-minded & to not let other people’s opinions affect my outlook on things.
My headstrong Nana would drag us grandkids to church every Sunday to sing & learn the Gospel of Jesus. I can remember watching her from the back seat, pluck away at stray unsightly hairs on her chin, all the while singing that mornings hymns , driving, & telling us to keep our feet off the back of her seat. I’m so glad she did “make” me go to church with her EVERY SUNDAY! She always had such a joyful spirit but was quick to put you in your place if needed. To say she was a penny pincher would be an understatement. There were many times she would haul us grandkids behind what used to be the Piggly Wiggly to go “dumpster diving”. Too embarrassed to be seen, we would either stay in the car or play in the pine trees behind the store.

I can remember riding with my Papa on his red International tractor till it rocked me to sleep. That was our time. Although it was too loud for conversation, just spending that time together was more valuable to me than anything. To this day he is a man of little words but when he does speak; his words are full of wisdom. I will always cherish the many stories he’s told me about his life experiences. I hope to add to this from time to time when I get a chance.