Over the weekend

What an amazing weekend. I hung out with some friends at the track Saturday but the real fun began when I took off a couple a days to spend with Mom. I use to spend a full week with her when I was working full time but since school and a part time job has taken over the majority of my life, I have little time to do anything these days... so since I had the opportunity this weekend, I made a go of it. This weekend was something I needed. I really don't know how to put it into words except for it just seemed like I was able to relive several moments in my life in one evening. After getting to moms and having a lunch fit for a king... my quest was on. Before I get to far into this story I would like to mention that the documentary movie I am putting together of my dad got a successful kickoff. I have several people in mind for interviews including myself and I hope to soon have a movie trailer made for you so you can get an idea of what I'm doing.

After lunch I went over next door to Jesse Mays house to see how she was doing and to see if she would be interested in talking about some of the things that made my dad the person he was but she was not up to it... which I totally respect. Anyone that has had the pleasure of meeting such a wonderful person will know that it is a treat just being around her sweet personality. On her behalf I will tell you a little story she remembered about dad. She said that dad was the all time ladies man... meaning that dad was so well known and was loved by so many people that he could kiss all the women of the church and they all thought nothing of it. The folks that make up Lilesville Methodist Church are just one big family. So they all know what a special person dad was to them and that he meant nothing but fun and laughter in everything he done. Thanks so much Jesse May.

Next I made my way down to see David Vaughn, a long time friend of dads. Going to Davids house was one of the many treats that made this weekend special for me. When we all use to go camping at the river, David and the rest of his family which included his wife Kay and daughters Deana and Susan would be right there with the rest of us. When we pulled up to his house I was reminded of those times. David has a big garage where his boat use to be and was where we had a many of cookouts. You know for a brief moment, I could see all of us kids running around like it was yesterday. During the interview David poured his heart out about the greatest things he could remember about dad. Thanks once again David for the interview and thanks for not letting dads legacy of kissing all the women dye. Since dad passed away, David has took up where dad left off.

After leaving Davids house mom and I decided to get some good ole home made ice cream and call it a night. A few hours before it got dark I took off like I normally do so I could revisit the places that I use to call home... or should I say my old stomping grounds. While I was out I drove back into an area where my friends and I would meet before we went riding on our motorcycles and got a little caught up in the moment. Once again there I was... looking out over the whole field and remembering back on times that seemed like yesterday. As I sat there I began to wonder why all things must come to an end and why in the world do some things have to change. Lilesville has and will always have this affect on me. As Buck McCormick said, "this is home" and I agree 100%.

So it's now Monday morning and mom has made me some grits and eggs with bacon and toast. Remember you aren't eating until you pour your grits over your eggs made sunny side up. Then you can mix it all together for one heck-of-a-breakfast. After letting that settle I was off again to explore some of the old stomping grounds that are painted in my mind and searching for that feeling of reliving the good times of the old days. I didn't make it to far though. With it being Monday there were crews out working around the places I wanted to go so I'll have to wait until next time on a weekend. I did manage to make it down to the bottom of a ravine where Sean and I use to camp and hike. It was an old creek bed that looks to be all dried up. So I just packed up and went back to the house to see mom a bit more before I needed to head out. After talking a little bit we said our goodbyes and I was off to city.

On the way home I stopped in Wadesboro to get some peaches and a cantaloupe and next thing you know I was talking to a girl that is a sister to a good friend of mine that I went to school with. He got stationed in Hawaii and then somehow landed in California in a bit of a mess. Divorced and messed up on drugs was sad for me to hear knowing this person and how cool he was to hang out with. We were music buddies all through high school and we both had dreams of becoming a rock star. Hopefully things will turn around for him and he gets straightened out.

As this story comes to an end just like all the good times in my life that I wish never did, I have to say I am proud of who I am today. I am thankful for what I have and I try to cherish everything like the old days and embrace the feeling that goes with it. To the people of Lilesville N.C , a big thanks for being the greatest people on the face of the earth and to my lost friend Chuck Lataker, that is somewhere in California, I hope you find your way back buddy. You have a friend waiting on you. Thanks most of all to mom for all that you are.