KITH AND KIN

In going through family memorabilia, letters and photographs came to light that have been long forgotten. Reading the words from so long ago brought smiles and matching pictures to the writing brought them to life. 

My grandfather was a southern gentleman and a romantic. This is an example of poems and writings he would send to my grandmother from work or leave in their home for her to find.

I visited my grandparents every summer from the time I was six. Mom and Dad would put me on a Greyhound bus for the trip from North Carolina to Alabama, nine hundred miles away. Sitting directly across from the driver, I would enjoy the scenery, confident in my safety. I'm sure my parents compensated him for his care.

Memories of those summers include my grandmother's baking. She made extra money by providing cakes for the community and was known for her ability. My desire for sweets developed at her feet.

My grandparents sang in the church choir and my love of music grew with every summer's visit. They both possessed lovely voices and I remember many evenings sitting next to my grandmother at her piano.

Papa, as I called him, was a wise man, loving simple pleasures. His sense of humor and his intellect endeared him to many. 

We would sit, every evening, on the expansive front porch with our feet on the banister, watching the resident spider spin its web. To this day, the lessons from Papa on the simple things of nature bring delight.

Peace,

Barb