Today is the four year anniversary of my brother Michael’s death. The above picture was taken for the local newspaper but in the words of the reporter, “No one should have that kind of smile at a trailer fire”. But that was Michael – he was very rarely without that smile on his face.
Michael died in a single car accident on his way home from work doing what he always did – living his life without wasting a second. He was on his way to the river to meet with friends despite having to return to the same town where he worked just hours later for a foxhunt with our dad. He never, ever wanted to miss a moment. In trying to do so much, he fell asleep at the wheel.
It’s been a very difficult four years for my family. Michael was the youngest and my only sibling. The shock of that day is still with me and probably always will be.
But more importantly, Michael is always with me.
Rhea over yonder at Texas Word Tangle has awarded me with this lovely award.
This is Arte y Pico award originated in Uruguay from a fabulous blogger who can test your Spanish comprehension skills if you pay her a visit. Here are the rules that accompany this esteemed award.
1. Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community.
2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog.
3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name of and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.
4. The award winner and the one who has given the prize has to show the link of Arte Y Pico blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5. Show these rules.
In return, I’d like to recognize the following bloggers who I adore:
1. Dyln
2. Twisted Fencepost
3. Forever in Blue Jeans
and finally #4: (since I just got called out to move farm equipment and have to be there like – 5 minutes ago) Klutzy Mama
Thanks, Rhea!!
Many farm families live in homes that have been in the family for a hundred gajillion years. We used to have one of those but unfortunately it burned a few years ago. The Cotton Husband and I live on the “Johnson Farm” – directly across the road from CH’s original family farmhouse. And yes, this farm will always be the “Johnson Farm”. It won’t matter how many years we or our children or our grandchildren live and work this particular piece of land… it will always be known as the Johnson Farm. It’s sort of like how even though the grocery store in town has changed names several times over the years I still call it “Chuck’s” – because that’s what it used to be when I was a kid. So that’s what it will be forever ‘n ever. But I’m getting off track…
Yesterday I talked about being a Soybean (me) or a Peanut (some of you admirable souls out there) and I started thinking about planning ahead – like all your Peanuts would do. I’m not so good at that. But MIss Sarah of the Johnson family planned ahead in what I think is one of the best ways ever.
This is the Johnson Family cemetary that sits behind our house
Lots of folks that come here to live (Come-here’s we call ‘em. Creative isn’t it?) think this is strange. But lots of farm families have cemetaries in their backyards so it doesn’t seem so weird to us. Then again, we have a pet blacksnake. So maybe I’m not one to comment on weirdness.
Now, Miss Sarah is still alive and kicking. And she sent us the most wonderful note and gift for our new baby. She really is quite a treasure and we do our best to preserve bits of her family history that we find in nooks and crannies in our (her) house.
But long ago when Miss Sarah was a young girl, she looked out at this cemetary – this cemetary where so many of her family members rest – and decided she didn’t like it. No ma’am, she didn’t like anything about this resting place. Because there was no shade. How can you rest for eternity if you haven’t any shade, y’all?
So Miss Sarah picked out her spot and planted those two pine trees. Talk about dealing with reality. Talk about planning ahead. I think Miss Sarah is probably the ultimate Peanut.
