Some men leave this life with much fanfare, while others quietly make their exit. Jim Wages would be the latter, an unpretentious man, who lived his life in the most genuine of ways. Jim never desired the spotlight, he lived simply, put his hands to hard work, and his heart to family. He was a … Continue reading Uncle Jim
Family
Goodbye Cloudwood
I have often heard that when a loved one is dying that they sometimes need permission from their loved ones before they breathe their last. Even if they are ready to go, they seem to sense when family members are not yet able to release them. I had this crazy idea that our family farm, … Continue reading Goodbye Cloudwood
Down in the Valley
Down in the valley, the wind is carrying the truth with it. Down in the valley, tragedy and triumph are intertwined like poison ivy on a mighty oak. Down in the valley, surrounded by glorious color and golden sun, the seasons change. The steadfast mountains remind us that we are but temporary residents, and that … Continue reading Down in the Valley
Homework Wars
Pointers for Parents are regular SHORT inspirations to bring hope and encouragement to parents. I hope to build a bridge between parents and teachers as it pertains to the education of children and how we can work together for the betterment of our kids. We’ve all had them. The meltdowns. The frustrations. The total breakdowns. … Continue reading Homework Wars
Porch Sittin’
Today all my gardening friends are talking about the harvest and putting up food for the winter. They are reporting how many quarts of berries they have picked, how many jars of tomatoes are being canned, and posting pictures of fresh peach pies. I found the images familiar in some way, like a long lost … Continue reading Porch Sittin’
Summer Flashback
My lazy day at the pool was interrupted by laughter. I opened my eyes to see a brother and sister with a friend or two playing in the water. They were somewhere between 6 and 10, and so full of energy that only a day of pool play would quench it. And play they did. … Continue reading Summer Flashback
1/4 of a Century
I have four amazing adult-children. Each of them is so unique that I stand back in awe and just think, “How did I get such great kids?” I could of course write a book about each of them…but for today Aaron is my subject, because he is one quarter of a century old. Sounds crazy … Continue reading 1/4 of a Century
Dear My African Son
Dear My African Son, When Hannah went to Africa a few years ago, I prayed God would send people into her path to watch over her there. You were one of several people who were an answer to that prayer. Little did I know at that time I would soon get to return the favor … Continue reading Dear My African Son
The Mountain Calls
Mountains call to me. At least that is what I say, because it kind of feels that way. I see them, usually on the horizon, and this thing rises up inside of me that wants to go. It is like a conversation between us, and even though most times I cannot just drop everything and … Continue reading The Mountain Calls
Dearest Great, Great, Great Grandaughter
On our trip to Williamsburg we had the opportunity to go to Jamestown one day. I had been given some information by my aunt that we might have had ancestors there. As we walked around the original site I found their names carved into stone, and then I found their stories in a descendant dictionary. … Continue reading Dearest Great, Great, Great Grandaughter
