Small Town Family

I grew up in a small town, a small town full of rumors mills, gossip, churches on every corner, and parties in every "pasture". A town that is still practically unknown to those "city folk". A town people grow roots in, literately. There are generations after generations of families who have been born and raised in this small town and now their great great grandchildren are following in those footsteps. This is a town many never leave after high school, or they may leave but somehow, they always find their way back.

Of course, while growing up, you "hate" living in the small town where you go to church with everyone, know everyone in your class, and that means everyone knows your parents. So one small mistake fed into the rumor mill and gossip column of the high school newspaper and your toast. And Lord, forbid your mother to walk into "City Market" for a gallon of milk, because in the next aisle over someone will be whispering about something you did the night before, even if you yourself didn't even know you did the awful, no good, very bad thing they speak of. And those sweet precious blonde hair blue eyed southern belles sitting on the front row of the local church were the same not-so-precious belles dancing around the campfire in not-so-appropriate church clothes the night before with a red solo cup (c'mon we've all heard the song and know whats in those red solo cups) or the route44 sonic cups.

Then you graduate high school, invest in the social media known as Facebook where you can find out just about anything you need/want to know and all the stuff you don't really want/need to know about anyone and everyone, and get out of that small town you hated for the last 18 years. You may enroll in college classes or you may go to cosmetology school/trade school, or you may just go straight into the working world. Either way, you think you have become a productive member of society.

A few years later, for some its 4 for others it's 10, you somehow, someway have found your way back to that ol' small town we all call home. The difference, you are an adult, you may have children and a spouse of your own now, with a college degree or a job that satisfies your needs. You now, have a whole new perspective on this small town life. It becomes a place to raise you babies, a place to call home, a place you have family and friends every where you turn. A place full of traditions and memories you can't wait to share with your children. A place that comes together for each other in times of need.

This week has been a hard week for the small town of Crandall, that I call home. Two tragedies in two days have taken this town and turned it upside down. In a small town it doesn't matter if you know someone personally, have only watched them grow up with your sibling, or only spent a night at the fair with them one time. When tragedies like this hit a small town, its like the whole world stops spinning. Everyone comes together and everyone starts praying. Everyone is family in a small town.

I pray for continued peace and comfort not only now but for the days ahead for all the families and friends affected in our little community with big hearts by the loss of two wonderful people. Fly High, Robert & Britt....may your journey now be much greater than your journey here on Earth.