Becoming an Outdoorsman 2

‘Over Home’
“Warm familiar scents drift softly from the oven,
And imprint forever upon our hearts
That this is home
…and that we are loved.”
― Arlene Stafford-Wilson

When we crossed the creek (literally, it ran across the road at the time) we were home. I can’t explain it, but our entire extended family called this place ‘home’ no matter where they actually lived. When someone spoke of taking a trip to the farm, they would say, “We are going over home,” and you felt it when you arrived. I think this atmosphere was created by the personalities of my grandparents, Alvin and Essie, whom we called Papaw (pronounced with a short ‘a’ as in ‘cat’ with emphasis on the first syllable: Pah’-paw) and Granny Moore. Their home was a good fifteen miles from the nearest country store. It was a day-trip to town for necessities. Consequently, when people visited (and they often did) they would call ahead and see if my grandparents needed 'milk or bread' from town.

Papaw and Granny Moore were the essence of country goodness and hospitality. Essie was a quiet, hard-working, God-fearing, AMAZING cook. She prepared a veritable feast for every meal, often feeding so many people they could not be accommodated in the house. Every chair in the kitchen, living room, and out on the back porch carried someone grazing on Granny’s fare. I never once heard her complain. She was a wise and industrious introvert. She didn’t say much, but when she did it carried matriarchal weight.

Papaw Alvin was the extrovert. He was always telling stories and bragging on OTHER people. I never heard him bad-mouth anyone. Everyone enjoyed spending time with Papaw Moore. I am an ordained minister and had the privilege of delivering the eulogy at his funeral. They say a man’s life preaches his eulogy. This was certainly true of Alvin Moore. He and Granny lived in this remote spot, away from everything but open to everyone. As a result, so many lives were touched by their genuine kindness; I am told that over two thousand people signed the visitation and funeral register at Papaw’s passing. This was a very small town. I've never seen this kind of response, not even for a dignitary, and I've ministered and conducted funerals in several major cities. An honorable man was honored by all.