While working on research for a possible sequel to The Road Home, I had a lovely conversation with my dad’s elderly cousin.
Betty shared stories of growing up in the Appalachian mountains and talked about people she knew. She grew up with my great-grandparents in the same place my grandma grew up. The Road Home is loosely based on these people and location.
She said growing up, they had nothing.
I asked if she knew she had nothing or if that’s just how life was.
She said, “Oh, I knew we had nothing because my friends had things.” She talked about her friend Carol Sue and her mother Elizabeth. She said they were always so kind to her.
Her story of Carol Sue and her mother impacted me. This kindness was shown decades ago–possibly 80+ years, and Carol Sue and her mother are long gone, but their kindness lives on.
Don’t you hope someone has a story of your kindness to share long after you’re gone?
Be kind–it matters.