Darla, You Are a Dear!!!

Oh, Darla, you are a dear!!! I heard that birthday you referred to had been cancelled. Anyway, that lady has had sooooo many and so much attention. I appreciate those nice things you said even though I feel very unworthy. I am glad if I have been able to help a few people along the way. I have tried to be an "encourager" and hope I have helped in some small way. I have always felt that an encouraging word can mean much. I remember so well something that was said to me when I was 15 years old and it has stayed with me all these many years. As some know, I had to go away from home in order to continue my education past the 9th grade. The nearest high-school was 18 miles away and I had no transportation except a bus that passed through our little community three days a week. I would ride the bus to Searcy each Monday morning, stay----all alone--- in a room (bedroom) all week then ride the bus back to my home on Friday afternoon. I had to walk a mile to reach the bus and would stand by the side of the road---with my school books and my suitcase--- until it came by. Well, one Monday morning the ground was covered with snow and the bus did not come. That morning, I had walked a little farther and was waiting inside the only store in our community. When I, and the other people who were there, realized the bus was not coming, two men said they were driving into town and told me I was welcome to ride with them. I don't remember much about the conversations during the trip except that they were impressed with the effort I was making in order to get my education. They also shared their feelings that they felt, of all the young girls in our community, that I would be the one most likely to succeed and make something worthwhile of my life. The positive trust they had in me meant so much and if ever---through the years--- I might have become discouraged or were tempted to make an unwise decision, I immediately remembered the encouragement those men gave me that day and the faith they had in me. I have always felt that a word of encouragement to someone could be more rewarding than to criticize. Sometimes we just need to know someone believes in us and feels we are important. We may not always measure up to the standard someone set for us, but we need to be recognized for our efforts. I remember a song we used to sing that says, in part, "If I can help somebody as I go along, then my living shall not be in vain." That is my desire.

Thank you, Darla, for your love. I love you too, so very much. I understand that you are coming tomorrow to retrieve your children. We shall miss them. We are glad they wanted to spend the week with us. Yes, you will get fried chicken tomorrow!!!! We are anxious to see you. Be safe.

Love you,
Grandmother