It's really weird to be sitting here popping pills and missing my baby. Thank goodness that I can drink ginger ale now without throwing up 15 minutes later...finally. I might even try to nibble on a saltine...Thank goodness for the drugs.
I bought an Easter egg decorating kit. For the past two years, Hubby and I have planned to dye Easter eggs together...to no avail. But this year...We HAVE TO. It is baby's first Easter. I am so excited!!!!!
I am officially addicted to reality TV. Dancing with the stars...though some of those little hoochies don't wear enough clothing to cover a hummingbird. American Idol...which isn't as interesting now that they are down to the top ten...I am so greatful for Sanjaya still being there to keep things interesting. The Donald...such a sexy devil.
This is the first day in probably over a year that I have not cleaned, scrubbed...Wait. That's wrong. But it would be correct if I said since I came home from the hospital with baby...It feels weird.
Hubby and baby bought me InStyle magazine today. And I devoured it. It is the absolute best magazine in the world.
Has anyone seen that new show - something about an American dream? I am still angry with all tv channels for taking my wife swap and bad children shows off of the air...but this show is hilarious. Now Peanut and mommy can laugh at weird people's goals and dreams instead of unruly, spoiled brats sitting in the naughty corner and hitting adults...
I love babies...my babies. Children are an absolute gift from God. And no one ever realizes just how much that is true until you feel your baby kick the inside of your belly or see their little faces light up when they see you...and then watch them crawl like fury to get into your arms. I miss my little boy...
31 March, 2007
16 March, 2007
I'm just a girl in the world...
I just read yet another article that - even though it wasn't even remotely related to the topic of differences in gender - just once again yelled to the world, "Women are exactly just the same as men."
Are you kidding me? Do we need to go over basic anatomy? Please, people. Women and men are completely different.
Okay, so society screams this, as well. Modern people make things so freaking confusing. You always hear, "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." And haven't we all heard men complain about how they don't understand women. And, you know what...I bet that deep down in everyone's secret thoughts they would very eagerly admit that working with a bunch of women is absolute HELL. (I can say these things because...well, I am a woman. Though I would hope that I don't talk about co-workers behind their backs or get moody for no reason or stab people in the back when they least expect it...)
Point is...I am so sick of feminism that I could puke. We absolutely cannot do everything that a man can do. That is why female athletes compete on different criteria. And how many female constuction workers have you seen in your lifetime? And the last time that I was in the maternity ward...Well, let's just say that I didn't see any men going through labor.
The fact is...men and women are completely different. And to tell our daughters, "Honey, you are just as good as a man...maybe better. Don't box yourself in by acting like a woman..." Which, though most might not exactly admit that is what they are saying...Let me tell you...That IS what they are saying...There are so many girls that are confused as crap now. They don't know what it means to be feminine. They know that they are different than the guys...but they mistakenly think that the only difference is physical. So they flaunt their bodies in hopes of attracting the opposite sex. It's almost as if they are saying..."Hey, look at me. I am a girl. I know that you wouldn't be able to tell any other way...Because I am just as strong as you and just as career oriented as you and just as good a leader as you...But I really am a girl...See..."
And if they do decide to wear covering clothing...Well, then they try to talk to draw attention to their bodies. They get eating disorders just to get attention and they talk about things that should never be discussed in mixed company...
What are we doing to our kids, people? Women are not "better" than men...they are just different. Since when did the attributes and strengths that God bestowed on woman become a mark of shame? I like the fact that I am weaker than my husband. I like taking care of our family...yes, that means cooking and cleaning and looking after our baby. I like that I know where everything is in our house because I put it there with my own two little hands. I like watching my husband be successful in his career while I care for the home while he is away. It doesn't bother me that Hubby makes the money and...well, I make the beds and the dinner. I don't need my own checking account. And, you know what - just while we are at it...I like my curves. I like my big "baby hips." (I would not, however, enjoy possessing a double chin, thunder thighs or a bedunkadunk (sp?) butt. Don't you love that commercial?) I am a woman - for crying out loud. I love the way that I look when I am pregnant. I love the fact that my body is 100% built for the job that God created me for.
And just while we are at it...I don't think that men are smarter than women. I just think that our brains are built differently. Men have a more focused intellect. Women can multitask. And with a baby underfoot...you have to multitask.
And here's one that is going to anger alot of women...I don't believe in women leaders. A woman President is just a bad idea. Let's look at Adam and Eve. Adam was given a position of leadership. And Eve was created as his help-meet. I may be stoned for saying this, but I don't think that women possess the leadership abilities that men do. Women are built completely different emotionally. We are nurturing. Men are strong leaders. But...as the saying goes...behind every man is a good woman. Let's just leave that there.
And I believe that men are supposed to be head of the household. There is nothing that I find more aggravating than a bossy, pushy, overbearing woman with a hen-pecked husband. I am very happy to let Hubby be head of the household. It is his God-given job. And I will not let my selfish pride get in the way of that. Men are supposed to love their wives as much as Christ loved the church...and Christ gave His life for the church. That's a very strong, selfless love. And for those of you who are still not convinced..."The church follows the head of Christ. In the same way, wives should follow the lead of their husbands in everything." Ephesians 5:24.
In short...God created us differently...men and women that is. We are absolutely not the same...and you know what? I'm kind of happy about that. And...I am happy to be a girl.
Are you kidding me? Do we need to go over basic anatomy? Please, people. Women and men are completely different.
Okay, so society screams this, as well. Modern people make things so freaking confusing. You always hear, "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." And haven't we all heard men complain about how they don't understand women. And, you know what...I bet that deep down in everyone's secret thoughts they would very eagerly admit that working with a bunch of women is absolute HELL. (I can say these things because...well, I am a woman. Though I would hope that I don't talk about co-workers behind their backs or get moody for no reason or stab people in the back when they least expect it...)
Point is...I am so sick of feminism that I could puke. We absolutely cannot do everything that a man can do. That is why female athletes compete on different criteria. And how many female constuction workers have you seen in your lifetime? And the last time that I was in the maternity ward...Well, let's just say that I didn't see any men going through labor.
The fact is...men and women are completely different. And to tell our daughters, "Honey, you are just as good as a man...maybe better. Don't box yourself in by acting like a woman..." Which, though most might not exactly admit that is what they are saying...Let me tell you...That IS what they are saying...There are so many girls that are confused as crap now. They don't know what it means to be feminine. They know that they are different than the guys...but they mistakenly think that the only difference is physical. So they flaunt their bodies in hopes of attracting the opposite sex. It's almost as if they are saying..."Hey, look at me. I am a girl. I know that you wouldn't be able to tell any other way...Because I am just as strong as you and just as career oriented as you and just as good a leader as you...But I really am a girl...See..."
And if they do decide to wear covering clothing...Well, then they try to talk to draw attention to their bodies. They get eating disorders just to get attention and they talk about things that should never be discussed in mixed company...
What are we doing to our kids, people? Women are not "better" than men...they are just different. Since when did the attributes and strengths that God bestowed on woman become a mark of shame? I like the fact that I am weaker than my husband. I like taking care of our family...yes, that means cooking and cleaning and looking after our baby. I like that I know where everything is in our house because I put it there with my own two little hands. I like watching my husband be successful in his career while I care for the home while he is away. It doesn't bother me that Hubby makes the money and...well, I make the beds and the dinner. I don't need my own checking account. And, you know what - just while we are at it...I like my curves. I like my big "baby hips." (I would not, however, enjoy possessing a double chin, thunder thighs or a bedunkadunk (sp?) butt. Don't you love that commercial?) I am a woman - for crying out loud. I love the way that I look when I am pregnant. I love the fact that my body is 100% built for the job that God created me for.
And just while we are at it...I don't think that men are smarter than women. I just think that our brains are built differently. Men have a more focused intellect. Women can multitask. And with a baby underfoot...you have to multitask.
And here's one that is going to anger alot of women...I don't believe in women leaders. A woman President is just a bad idea. Let's look at Adam and Eve. Adam was given a position of leadership. And Eve was created as his help-meet. I may be stoned for saying this, but I don't think that women possess the leadership abilities that men do. Women are built completely different emotionally. We are nurturing. Men are strong leaders. But...as the saying goes...behind every man is a good woman. Let's just leave that there.
And I believe that men are supposed to be head of the household. There is nothing that I find more aggravating than a bossy, pushy, overbearing woman with a hen-pecked husband. I am very happy to let Hubby be head of the household. It is his God-given job. And I will not let my selfish pride get in the way of that. Men are supposed to love their wives as much as Christ loved the church...and Christ gave His life for the church. That's a very strong, selfless love. And for those of you who are still not convinced..."The church follows the head of Christ. In the same way, wives should follow the lead of their husbands in everything." Ephesians 5:24.
In short...God created us differently...men and women that is. We are absolutely not the same...and you know what? I'm kind of happy about that. And...I am happy to be a girl.
Klondike bars and a sunburned nose...
Every time that I read celebrity gossip...which isn't too often these days...I get the same thought. I wish that K-Fed would straighten up his act and get his butt in line. Then he could be a stable father to his two little boys. And...he could really help the Britster. Their marriage could be saved...I HATE divorce...and they could use their celebrity influence to open up their own rehab facility for troubled teens. And Britney would start putting out family friendly tunes that sold themselves because of their musical quality and not Britney's sexuality. Just a dream I have...
What would I do for a Klondike bar? Quite alot. I can't quit thinking about them. Yummmmmmm....
I must tell you how excited I am that the mall in town is going to be getting a Bebe store this spring! Such cute things...even if some of the things look a little slutty. It's just what you choose to wear...I am trying to think about things like that in the terms of "would I let my daughter wear that..." So, while I might buy some one-piece bathing suits this summer...I would still shop at Bebe.
I really want a daughter so that I can have a shopping buddy...but if I have all sons...I will still be the happiest woman on the face of the planet. I will just have to wait for daughter-in-laws to go shopping with. Even though my son isn't even a year old yet, I am already praying for his future wife - if that is God's will for him - and I must admit...I love her so much already even though I don't know who she is. I am praying that she and I will be Ruth and Naomi...just without the need of a Boaz.
Klondike bars...Klondike bars...sushi...klondike bars...
I want to watch Easter Parade with Judy Garland...And I want to eat a whole container of Chubby Hubby, and a Klondike bar, perhaps...And I want to wear a pretty new nightgown with pink flowers and ruffles...And I want to paint my fingernails and toenails and wear sweet smelling lotion...And a pink ribbon in my hair. And I want freshly shaved, slightly sunburned legs. And a sunburned nose. I know that it looks ridiculous...but I always wear my first sunburned nose of the season with pride.
What would I do for a Klondike bar? Quite alot. I can't quit thinking about them. Yummmmmmm....
I must tell you how excited I am that the mall in town is going to be getting a Bebe store this spring! Such cute things...even if some of the things look a little slutty. It's just what you choose to wear...I am trying to think about things like that in the terms of "would I let my daughter wear that..." So, while I might buy some one-piece bathing suits this summer...I would still shop at Bebe.
I really want a daughter so that I can have a shopping buddy...but if I have all sons...I will still be the happiest woman on the face of the planet. I will just have to wait for daughter-in-laws to go shopping with. Even though my son isn't even a year old yet, I am already praying for his future wife - if that is God's will for him - and I must admit...I love her so much already even though I don't know who she is. I am praying that she and I will be Ruth and Naomi...just without the need of a Boaz.
Klondike bars...Klondike bars...sushi...klondike bars...
I want to watch Easter Parade with Judy Garland...And I want to eat a whole container of Chubby Hubby, and a Klondike bar, perhaps...And I want to wear a pretty new nightgown with pink flowers and ruffles...And I want to paint my fingernails and toenails and wear sweet smelling lotion...And a pink ribbon in my hair. And I want freshly shaved, slightly sunburned legs. And a sunburned nose. I know that it looks ridiculous...but I always wear my first sunburned nose of the season with pride.
14 March, 2007
Did you miss me?
I want a klondike bar...or 10 of them. Yum.
I hope that someday a wonderful, soon-to-be-married, greatly missed, soon-to-be-psychiatrist will have a black leather couch somewhere in her residence. And when Hubby and I go to visit her, I will lay down and start talking out of my head. Poor, Doc.
I think that I could eat corned beef and cabbage with yummy mustard sauce everyday of my life and that would be fine with me.
I am seriously considering becoming a partial vegetarian again...except for fast-food hamburgers and corned beef.
I live for the weekends. Last Saturday was so wonderful. And this weekend will be wonderful, too.
I really miss my Modest Mouse CD. I saw a modest mouse song butchered on American Idol by all of the contestants...It freaked me out a little. What really freaks me out...I am actually watching American Idol. And I am admitting it on my blog. What have I become?
If I had to choose what I wantd to eat right now...and I am hungry...but I refuse to eat just because I am hungry, because that is just a terrible reason to eat anything...I would eat fake sushi - cucumber rolls - a big, wonderful salad with boiled eggs, bell pepper, tomatoes, carrots, sunflower seeds, and cheese, and...hmmm...klonkide bars. Oh, yeah, and a steak. Okay, so add steak to the meaty things that I would still eat if I became a partial vegetarian. I think that my stomach is going to eat itself.
I have to iron tonight. I do not enjoy ironing - in the least...But I do very much enjoy the result of me ironing...My Hubby all dressed up.
There aren't many things more beautiful than the smile of my little boy. You know what...I can't think of any thing more beautiful. Thank You, God, for Your blessings on my life.
I hope that someday a wonderful, soon-to-be-married, greatly missed, soon-to-be-psychiatrist will have a black leather couch somewhere in her residence. And when Hubby and I go to visit her, I will lay down and start talking out of my head. Poor, Doc.
I think that I could eat corned beef and cabbage with yummy mustard sauce everyday of my life and that would be fine with me.
I am seriously considering becoming a partial vegetarian again...except for fast-food hamburgers and corned beef.
I live for the weekends. Last Saturday was so wonderful. And this weekend will be wonderful, too.
I really miss my Modest Mouse CD. I saw a modest mouse song butchered on American Idol by all of the contestants...It freaked me out a little. What really freaks me out...I am actually watching American Idol. And I am admitting it on my blog. What have I become?
If I had to choose what I wantd to eat right now...and I am hungry...but I refuse to eat just because I am hungry, because that is just a terrible reason to eat anything...I would eat fake sushi - cucumber rolls - a big, wonderful salad with boiled eggs, bell pepper, tomatoes, carrots, sunflower seeds, and cheese, and...hmmm...klonkide bars. Oh, yeah, and a steak. Okay, so add steak to the meaty things that I would still eat if I became a partial vegetarian. I think that my stomach is going to eat itself.
I have to iron tonight. I do not enjoy ironing - in the least...But I do very much enjoy the result of me ironing...My Hubby all dressed up.
There aren't many things more beautiful than the smile of my little boy. You know what...I can't think of any thing more beautiful. Thank You, God, for Your blessings on my life.
23 February, 2007
I'M HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY ALL THE TIME! I'm happy, happy, happy, happy, happy all the time. Since Jesus Christ came innnnnn....and He cleansed my heart from siiiiiinnnnnn....I'M HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY HAPPY ALL THE TIME!!!!
Okay, maybe not all the all the time...but right now I'm ecstatic. Praise God for His blessings!!!!
Such a great song! It just makes you happy to sing it...at the top of your lungs.
A few random thoughts...
- Now that I am seriously looking at people who are running in the next Presidential election...I really don't like the Republicans. But I truly, truly, truly can't stand the Democrats.
- I am happy. I have a WONDERFUL Hubby and a SWEET baby boy. And - did I mention that I was happy?
- I feel a little like the goose from Charlotte's Web tonight, tonight, tonight.
- I don't always agree with CS Lewis...but he writes a great story.
- Today felt like spring. And I am ready for spring...and sundresses with flip-flops. And flowers. And that makes me happy.
- I really wish that my hair would grow faster.
- I have wonderful family. And I got to spend time with my parents, my grandmother, and my brother today. And Hubby and baby were playing together tonight. And Hubby got Peanut hyper and rowdy at 9:30 at night...and I loved it.
- I like fishsticks. But I like mayonnaise and pickles better.
- My little boy loves cheese doodles. And green beans. And banana slices. And tomato pieces. And his mommy. And saying, "Dada." What's a mommy going to do?
-Warm weather is on the way! For good! I could kiss a groundhog right now.
13 February, 2007
Isn't it romantic?
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. And this time of year has always made me think of two things...spring...because April is getting really, really close...and romance. This year I have really been trying to think of something wonderfully romantic to surprise my Hubby with...
Hmmm...what would be romantic? Romance - at least to me - means the smell of roses and flickering candlelight and gleaming china plates and Frank Sinatra or Louis Armstrong or Rosemary Clooney playing softly in the background...and, of course, me in an ultra-femine dress...maybe something with a big, full skirt that is so full that it swooshes when I walk...and it would have to be black with just enough lace...and Hubby in a suit with no tie...And a meal that is elegant but easy...maybe quiche and cheese and chocolate covered strawberries...
But what really is "romantic?" Is it that scene in Sabrina where Humphrey Bogart is driving Audrey Hepburn and asking her to say things in French..."How do you say I have a yellow pencil?" ..."How do you say my brother has a yellow pencil?"..."How do you say my brother has a lovely girl?" ..."How do you say I wish that I were my brother?"
Or is it the scene in Casablanca, where Ingrid Bergman tells Humphrey Bogart, "Kiss me as if it were the last time."...all along knowing that they will be separated once he leaves Paris to escape the Germans because she won't really join him. Or maybe it's Rhett and Scarlett in burning Atlanta...'Kiss me, Scarlett. And know that you're sending a soldier to battle with a beautiful memory..."
No. Those things are beautiful...and entertaining. But that is not true romance. True romance is the time every evening when I hear Hubby's footsteps on the deck and my heart beats faster with happiness...no matter how tired I am. True romance is walking in the park pushing our little boy in his stroller. True romance is just living life with the man who captured my heart. Every day normal life. Not freaking out that he knows what I look like without foundation and blush. Knowing that he loves me enough to eat raw garlic on the top of his spaghetti without complaining. Holding hands when we pray together. Just the knowledge that until God calls one of us home, we will be together. And those are the moments I live for...when we are together.
Give me a kiss to build a dream on...
Hubby, every day that I wake up next to you and our little boy, I feel as if I am living that dream. I love you. Happy Valentine's.
08 February, 2007
My Hometown...
May I just start this off by saying...this is an angry blog.
I like the town that I live in. I like the fact that I can trace my family line back to the time before the Revolutionary War...and all of my ancestors lived HERE. Not someone near hear in the state. Not two towns away. HERE. No, not the area around the nearest large city. I'm talking about the tiny dot on the map that is succumbing to the wonderful plans being made for it to make huge money for those people who moved here five...ten...twenty years ago...if that long - let's try a year ago...or 3 months...that have no heritage here. Hey, they don't mind tearing down a gorgeous old house that was built in 1870s and still passes safety regulations. Heck, no. Let's tear that down and put up a strip mall.
If you take a walk with me downtown, I can still show you where my father lived when he was a boy. And the mill that my great-grandparents worked in. I can tell you stories that I have heard about various interesting characters who also lived right off of Main Street. But...if you really want the scoop...you should take a Main Street tour with my father. He remembers what the city was like before the Yankees moved in.
They have the house that my great-great-great grandmother was born in at the museum downtown. And the building that housed the restaurant that my great-grandparents owned on Main Street was still standing until about 9 months ago...when it was torn down to make way for a 4-story law office/bar that has yet to be built. The elementary school that I went to...and my father went to...and my grandfather went to, though they tore down that building...is just a little off of Main Street on Church Street. And in the area between Main Street and the elementary school...you'll find a graveyard. That is where my great-grandparents are buried. And my great-great-grandparents. And my great-great-great grandparents. And my father's two uncles that died in infancy...But, you see, I just found out that most of those people are "replaceable."
You see, my town was fortunate enough to have a gentleman move here from Philadelphia. He's really a great guy. He knows more about Lexington than any of us who have lived here for generations. And he knows that it reminds him of Philadelphia. Really. And I know this because I read his "from the editor" message in Lexington Life - the magazine he writes about this town...because he knows so much about us. Boy, am I glad that he got elected to town council!
This month, in his little note to the town of Lexington, he wrote about Mr.Boozer, who passed away recently. Now, just to clear things up, I have nothing against Mr.Boozer...But, he apparently used to have a little saying that went something like this:"If you think you're not replaceable, walk out the door of St.Stephens Church and look at the graveyard. It's full of people who thought they couldn't be replaced." After Mr.Boozer's death, the fine editor of Lexington Life had an epiphany. He realized that only a "select few passionate, creative souls and the contributions they make in our world are truly irreplaceable."
I wonder...as he stood in the graveyard that holds the memory of the town of Lexington...which people did he think could have been replaced? Which were the few that were irreplaceable? It's a question that can have no answer. The people are gone. The only thing that tells us they were there is a space of earth and a hunk of stone...and the impressions that they left on the people that they left behind and the city that they and their ancestors built.
My ancestor landed in Lexington by means of a charter from the king of England...who was only too willing to find German settlers to settle a piece of land called "Saxe Gotha." All the better that they were Germans...Saxe Gotha was part of a ten province area to create a buffer from the Indians for the people of Charleston. He settled and had three sons. For as far back as I can remember, I remember hearing stories about those three brothers. One of them was my direct ancestor. And all three of them fought - loyally - for the King of England in a little uprising we like to call the Revolutionary War. Two of the brothers left to explore Mississippi and Alabama. My ancestor stayed - despite the loss of land and fortune suffered by those who chose the wrong side. Maybe he is the one that we should replace...His grandson worked on a plantation until he could afford to marry his sweetheart and buy a little farm on Twelve Mile Creek in Lexington. This gentleman was also a Confederate soldier. (GASP! Let's replace him - surely.) In the infantry. And when he returned from war, his wife died just a few years later. The last records I have found of him place him in service as a manservant for some of his wife's relatives. What sort of "contribution" to society is that? His son is the young man who lived in Dutch Fork...but, just hold your horses...he married a girl who was from Lexington. And he walked all the way from Dutch Fork to Lexington - in the days before the dam was built - to court her. They had six children together - my great-grandfather being the youngest - before she died suddenly. Rumor has it that he died of a broken heart just a year or two after her. My great-grandfather served two terms in the Navy during World War II. Should we replace him?
I've only told you about one line of my family...but if you want more, just let me know. I have a whole passel of native-born Lexington ancestors.
I took my son to that graveyard in the not too distant past. And as I held him in my arms and showed him the grave sites that commemorate our family, I felt a sense of pride. And a sense of responsibility to teach him about those people to whom we are bound by honor , blood, and heritage. Maybe some people think of a city...and they suddenly see positions of power and dollar signs flashing before their eyes. Maybe they like the idea of developing beautiful farm land...that has belonged to the same family for generations. Maybe they like for public places to be filled with loud, arrogant, rude people who don't respect others' contributions...and who don't know that maybe if something has been a certain way for a long time,then maybe that's because it works and doesn't need to be changed. But let me tell you what this town means to me...this town is a way to connect with wonderful people that I have heard about for all of my life...and sometimes feel that I know...and definitely can't wait to meet some day...who have passed on long before I was even thought of. This town is my heritage. My history. And my home. No, I won't always live here. They will eventually force me out...in the way of progress. But when I die, I want to be buried somewhere near to land that my heart knew as home. Somewhere near where the bodies of my ancestors rest. You see, Mr Editor. There is something that only we Southerners can really understand :Towns are not about progress and money. Towns are about history and heritage - and people. Good. Bad. They are all irreplaceable. Money nor power can buy heritage. Just remember that the next time you try think about replacing people in my hometown.
I like the town that I live in. I like the fact that I can trace my family line back to the time before the Revolutionary War...and all of my ancestors lived HERE. Not someone near hear in the state. Not two towns away. HERE. No, not the area around the nearest large city. I'm talking about the tiny dot on the map that is succumbing to the wonderful plans being made for it to make huge money for those people who moved here five...ten...twenty years ago...if that long - let's try a year ago...or 3 months...that have no heritage here. Hey, they don't mind tearing down a gorgeous old house that was built in 1870s and still passes safety regulations. Heck, no. Let's tear that down and put up a strip mall.
If you take a walk with me downtown, I can still show you where my father lived when he was a boy. And the mill that my great-grandparents worked in. I can tell you stories that I have heard about various interesting characters who also lived right off of Main Street. But...if you really want the scoop...you should take a Main Street tour with my father. He remembers what the city was like before the Yankees moved in.
They have the house that my great-great-great grandmother was born in at the museum downtown. And the building that housed the restaurant that my great-grandparents owned on Main Street was still standing until about 9 months ago...when it was torn down to make way for a 4-story law office/bar that has yet to be built. The elementary school that I went to...and my father went to...and my grandfather went to, though they tore down that building...is just a little off of Main Street on Church Street. And in the area between Main Street and the elementary school...you'll find a graveyard. That is where my great-grandparents are buried. And my great-great-grandparents. And my great-great-great grandparents. And my father's two uncles that died in infancy...But, you see, I just found out that most of those people are "replaceable."
You see, my town was fortunate enough to have a gentleman move here from Philadelphia. He's really a great guy. He knows more about Lexington than any of us who have lived here for generations. And he knows that it reminds him of Philadelphia. Really. And I know this because I read his "from the editor" message in Lexington Life - the magazine he writes about this town...because he knows so much about us. Boy, am I glad that he got elected to town council!
This month, in his little note to the town of Lexington, he wrote about Mr.Boozer, who passed away recently. Now, just to clear things up, I have nothing against Mr.Boozer...But, he apparently used to have a little saying that went something like this:"If you think you're not replaceable, walk out the door of St.Stephens Church and look at the graveyard. It's full of people who thought they couldn't be replaced." After Mr.Boozer's death, the fine editor of Lexington Life had an epiphany. He realized that only a "select few passionate, creative souls and the contributions they make in our world are truly irreplaceable."
I wonder...as he stood in the graveyard that holds the memory of the town of Lexington...which people did he think could have been replaced? Which were the few that were irreplaceable? It's a question that can have no answer. The people are gone. The only thing that tells us they were there is a space of earth and a hunk of stone...and the impressions that they left on the people that they left behind and the city that they and their ancestors built.
My ancestor landed in Lexington by means of a charter from the king of England...who was only too willing to find German settlers to settle a piece of land called "Saxe Gotha." All the better that they were Germans...Saxe Gotha was part of a ten province area to create a buffer from the Indians for the people of Charleston. He settled and had three sons. For as far back as I can remember, I remember hearing stories about those three brothers. One of them was my direct ancestor. And all three of them fought - loyally - for the King of England in a little uprising we like to call the Revolutionary War. Two of the brothers left to explore Mississippi and Alabama. My ancestor stayed - despite the loss of land and fortune suffered by those who chose the wrong side. Maybe he is the one that we should replace...His grandson worked on a plantation until he could afford to marry his sweetheart and buy a little farm on Twelve Mile Creek in Lexington. This gentleman was also a Confederate soldier. (GASP! Let's replace him - surely.) In the infantry. And when he returned from war, his wife died just a few years later. The last records I have found of him place him in service as a manservant for some of his wife's relatives. What sort of "contribution" to society is that? His son is the young man who lived in Dutch Fork...but, just hold your horses...he married a girl who was from Lexington. And he walked all the way from Dutch Fork to Lexington - in the days before the dam was built - to court her. They had six children together - my great-grandfather being the youngest - before she died suddenly. Rumor has it that he died of a broken heart just a year or two after her. My great-grandfather served two terms in the Navy during World War II. Should we replace him?
I've only told you about one line of my family...but if you want more, just let me know. I have a whole passel of native-born Lexington ancestors.
I took my son to that graveyard in the not too distant past. And as I held him in my arms and showed him the grave sites that commemorate our family, I felt a sense of pride. And a sense of responsibility to teach him about those people to whom we are bound by honor , blood, and heritage. Maybe some people think of a city...and they suddenly see positions of power and dollar signs flashing before their eyes. Maybe they like the idea of developing beautiful farm land...that has belonged to the same family for generations. Maybe they like for public places to be filled with loud, arrogant, rude people who don't respect others' contributions...and who don't know that maybe if something has been a certain way for a long time,then maybe that's because it works and doesn't need to be changed. But let me tell you what this town means to me...this town is a way to connect with wonderful people that I have heard about for all of my life...and sometimes feel that I know...and definitely can't wait to meet some day...who have passed on long before I was even thought of. This town is my heritage. My history. And my home. No, I won't always live here. They will eventually force me out...in the way of progress. But when I die, I want to be buried somewhere near to land that my heart knew as home. Somewhere near where the bodies of my ancestors rest. You see, Mr Editor. There is something that only we Southerners can really understand :Towns are not about progress and money. Towns are about history and heritage - and people. Good. Bad. They are all irreplaceable. Money nor power can buy heritage. Just remember that the next time you try think about replacing people in my hometown.
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