They are still there
I physically left Salem soon after graduating from high school. I spent twenty years in the Air Force and experienced a wide range of US and foreign living. Through it all, my Salem roots have survived quite well.
It isn’t just because I have relatives in Salem although I do
love them dearly. It isn’t just because of the beautiful fields and majestic
trees (and sometimes weeds almost that high). The Hoosier springs where the
leaves start popping out with the redbuds, the ground getting that fresh green
sheen, and the wild flowers and gardens brightening the world are part of it.
The way God flaunts His fall colors in that area is astounding. That awesome
county courthouse and the square certainly contribute.
No, the main reason that I still feel my Salem roots after
all of these years is the Salem culture – the people. Good people. Hard working
people. People that even if they are upset with you; will pull you out of the
ditch, give you something to eat, pray for you, and talk frankly with you.
“Who’s yer Daddy” means a lot to them. They are proud of who they are. Most of
them (the others try hard) really honor ‘their word’. Your friendship means a lot to
them. They mean a lot to me.
No comments:
Post a Comment