A LETTER FROM ARKANSAS
Feedback on living the "good life" from Myrtle Cress.
Dear MOTHER:
RELATED CONTENT
I must tear myself away from reading long enough to
acknowledge receipt of the back issues. What wonderful
material ... and to think that right away I see letters
from neighbors: Eureka Springs, West Fork, Bentonville,
even Fayetteville and several other Arkansas places I've
visited. Howdy, y'all! (This is wonderful country. I've
been from coast to coast and border to border and found but
one place that I like as well.)
MOTHER has brought me so much enjoyment and recalled so
many memories that I'd like to say a first-installment
"thank you" by sharing an experience or so.
I've had more than a passing acquaintance with so many
things in my lifetime that I might be able to help others
in difficulties they may meet. I've been city gal,
schoolmarm (nationally honored), farmer's wife, farmer,
mother, VISTA teacher. Now that I'm
retired—again—I'm a garden and flower
specialist with several sidelines belonging to my various
careers.
It's because of my own experience that the temerity of so
many—who seem to think they can go practically
emptyhanded and moneyless back to the land and live
comfortably through hard work and their love of the
countryside ("The pioneers did it, so can
we!")—simply amazes me!
Believe me, I wouldn't for one minute want to lessen the
enthusiasm or weaken the ambition of sincere young people
... but—if you're one of them—I'd like you to
go into the great experiment with your eyes open, your head
alert and your feet planted solidly on the earth so that
you won't become disappointed and heartbroken. There is
another and better way, and if you're interested I'll point
it out. In the meantime let your wanderings include a
questioning walk through a pioneer cemetery. Look at the
markers and ask yourself, "Why?"
In that graveyard you'll find the headstone of John Doe,
65, 70 or even 80 years of age, and beside him memorials to
his beloved wives Jane (23), Anne (30) and perhaps even
Mary (50). Alongside, in the same section, there'll be rows
of little graves of children aged one month to two or three
years. That's the price the pioneers paid for our heritage.
Page: 1 |
2 |
3 |
Next >>
