Revisiting the Past

We had a family meal at Mom and Dad’s today. There was no occasion except we were expecting to have the one, and likely only, mess of fresh green beans from the garden/ raised beds.

Well, the best laid plans of mice and men ofttimes go astray. There weren’t enough fresh green beans for all of us. Fortunately, Mom had three quarts of goose beans canned from a prior year and the kids all love goose beans. Plan B was enjoyed by all! 

Mom apologized about not having fresh beans but said that if we had cooked the fresh beans, we would have been limited to one apiece. I told her that I would enjoy the goose beans even more than the fresh because they would remind me of Uncle Gayle Smith. Uncle Gayle often grew goose beans and he is likely the one who introduced us to them.

Uncle Gayle Smith in foreground checking corn with Uncle John Allen

Wallace Smith, Gayle Smith, and Donald Smith

When we were at the table, Roxanna said that these must be goose beans and asked us if we knew what they reminded her of. I said “Uncle Gayle” and she said “yes”, with a big grin on her face.

                  Aunt Sue Smith and Uncle Gayle Smith

On my drive home, I was listening to NPR and the program was called “Bluegrass Breakdown”. As soon as that bluegrass music started playing, I was reminded of Aunt Alta Allen Cantrell.

I recall going with her to a local fruit farm, I believe it was Wampler’s. She got apples and cracklings there. I remember during the ride, she listened to bluegrass music. 

Back then, I couldn’t quite understand how anyone could enjoy bluegrass music. It seemed kind of twangy and the singers seemed to sing through their noses. 

Now, I really like it. For one thing, hearing that twangy music and those nasally voices reminds me of Aunt Alta, whom I loved dearly. 

Aunt Alta Allen Cantrell and David Smith, prob a couple years prior to Wampler trip

Aunt Alta Allen Cantrell, a couple years prior to Wampler trip

                                             Aunt Alta Allen Cantrell

Also, that bluegrass music makes me think of “our people”; those simple, hard-working, mountain folks that I am proud to call family. They had little idle time, but a simple instrument like a fiddle, a banjo, a mandolin, a dulcimer, a guitar, even spoons or a washboard, could provide a bit of welcomed entertainment to a chore wearied family when time allowed. 

Martha Edwards Smith and husband Dale Smith. Dad says that after Martha died, Uncle Dale didn’t play anymore.

Perhaps Aunt Alta even had the chance to listen to some of those musicians as she grew up in the hills of Clay County. Perhaps hearing that music brought warmth to her heart in the form of a memory of listening to it with family and friends when she was growing up. Who knows, maybe she even remembered some cute, fiddle playing neighbor boy as she listened. After all, Uncle Olen “Bug” Cantrell was to be her future love.

Sisters; Rachel Allen Nolen and Alta Allen Cantrell, at home place on Teges Branch

Some might say that I live too much in the past. Foods, sounds, sights, smells, so often remind me of folks who I can no longer make new memories with. I just thank God for sweet memories and will revisit the past as often as God blesses me with those memories!

I hope that all of you can revisit the past at times while smiles upturn your lips. I hope that the sweet memories of past folks can bring you at least a brief respite from the worries of the present. And, don’t forget to make memories with your loved ones today. One day, we will all become a memory of the past. Hopefully, in the future, a plate of soup beans and mustard greens, or “It’s a Wonderful Life” playing on TV,… will have our family members who are still around grinning like a mule eating saw briars!