Cranks My Tractor

How do I pray?

It is amazing how many people want to know the answer to that question. Do I need to be kneeling? Do I need to shut my eyes? Do I need to be in a church? Do I need to clasp my hands? Does it have to be long? Can I ask for help? Can I ask why things happen?

For the millions that search for the answer to this question on the internet, I will borrow a phrase from Nike and say “Just Do It.” What if nothing happens? Continue doing it, never stop. I’m not a minister; I’m just a believer in prayer.

Why?

Because I had one answered, and one was all it took.

Plastic Horses

How will you be remembered? It is a question that crosses everyone’s mind. No one is perfect, we all know that. Who will remember you? Your family and friends will hopefully be able to tell “your story” when you are gone (and we all will eventually go).

How about your school teachers? What do they say years after you are gone? If you live in a small town, chances are your children’s teachers might have taught you. My Mama taught school for around 40 years, teaching former students’ children in many cases and even a grandchild or two.

My Mama has always loved seeing her former students as they grow up, get married, have children and often settle back in Oxford, Alabama where she taught so many years. She wants to hug them and tell their children stories about them. It’s fun to see and watch because my Mama always remembers the good in her students.

Jack and the Buddy Poppy

The neighborhood hardware store in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a safe haven for me. The employees consist of many retired men who want to get out of the house a few hours a week and women who call me “Baby.” I like it. I like to go and talk to the employees and other customers.

We discuss what’s going on around town and how to fight voles, fire ants and other vermin. On Saturdays, they run the popcorn machine and you can help yourself to as much as you want. Sometimes, I will wear my red golf shirt knowing that I will be mistaken as an employee.I like to help folks and I like to talk, if it’s a question I can’t answer, I will get a real employee.

On Memorial Day, I needed to pick up a few things. I can’t remember what I needed now and I couldn’t remember then, but it was an excuse to go to the hardware store.