| Some one once said that a vacation is when u temperately forget your ordinary life and you savor your utopia world. Well, if that’s true. I have just experienced a “vacation”. Going home this past weekend was one of the best R/R I’ve had in a while. It started with a 6 hour drive and accompanying me on my journey was my little sister/diva Karla and her two delightful little kids Kayla and Shabrieka. We left out a little after 8:30 PM and hit traffic on Interstate 75 at a stand still. We could have rolled down the windows and carried on a full length detailed conversation with cars beside us because no one was going anywhere fast. When I looked ahead, I could see shining lights for miles ahead. Karla was trying out her new binocular’s… I can say that there are some things you don’t want to see close up…After a few hors my companion was sleep in the back seat and her two kids were in a la-la land also. So much for sparkling conversation to keep me awake. On our arrival to my dad’s house at 3am we were greeted by GertieMae’s alluring smell of hot sweet potato pie. This instantly had my mouth watering and how can you say no to that. Well we did the honors right then by partaking of the Thanksgiving food. It included sweet ham, macaroni and cheese, chicken and rice, potato salad and the Felton’s famous collard green’s with all the extra’s and Willie’s tantalizing hand stirred sweet tea. After all that good food, sleep finally overcame me. I didn’t rise the next morning until 11am. I had a chance to meet my new relatives Bridgett, Brittany, Briania and Brandy (not necessarily in that order). Very intelligent and articulate young ladies. Ages ranged from 8 to 14. At first I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to relate with them but after watching “Buffy, Dawson’s Creek and Friends” with them we all got along just fine. I called my family members David, Lee, Cj and before I could call Teresa she called Willie to wish us a Happy Turkey Day. Cj(brother) came down later and we hung out together. I couldn’t help but hear a touch of a country drawl/accent as he told his story over and over again….he’s a police officer from Jasper. We jumped into the feast again then walked over to Grandma’s house. Grandma looked radiant as ever “thanks to the Lord” and Granddaddy was well you know….”buddy”. Aunt Margarent was there also. She looks good too. It’s always a blessing ot see your loved one’s still pressing on…it gives me much joy and happiness. You know no matter how many times Granddaddy tell’s his story it’s always informative….even if you already know the ending. Cj had a camcorder so hopefully we can have most of this weekend’s activities on tape. It was a long night of laughing and remembering how things used to be. Our mother’s name coming across everyone’s lips keeps her beloved memory present in my mind. We walked from room to room laughing and crying and yelling about remember when….my friend Georgette surprised me by dropping by to say hello. It was so good to see her. A true friend there by far. We have known each other since our early college day’s and she is considered a member of the family. Aunt Ruth and Jerry came by on Friday also. It was great to see them both. Robert, my uncle stopped by also. It was nice to see him again. Now Thursday was turkey day. Friday became barbecue day and Saturday was the fish fry (only we caught no fish, actually only Lee…he caught a brim) On Friday Willie outdid himself with the barbecued greens along with pig tales and hamhocks. We also had baked beans, cornbread and cake. Most of my time was spent between Grandma and Willie’s house. At my dad’s fish pond, he had already put us to work….picking up large sticks and generally cleaning the area. Saturday Lee, Debbie & Jacqueline came down. Debbie brought homemade sour cream pound cake and walnut pecan pie. Good enough to slap your….well you get the picture. Jacqueline, my niece had grown taller than me. I remember how I used to get her in a head lock and try to body slam her….can you tell I used ot be a tomboy….hahaha…..anyway, I couldn’t even reach her neck now. She’s 18 and she already has a scholarship to MIT. What she did however was put me in a head lock until I moaned….mercy….LOL. Gertie’s daughter Angie and her son Troy also came by. A house full of noise….now that’s what I remember…What a delight! We were all enlightened by Willie’s words of wisdom and revelations. I truly enjoyed my vacation and I have only fond memories. We missed David, Teresa and Tommie but I hope that this letter can help you picture the beautiful moments we all shared. Even though you weren’t present perhaps you can get a sense of love we felt and all shared that wonderful weekend of November 1999. Yours truly Love always…… |
