Molly's Zone

  ( July 1963: Lincoln County, West Virginia)   The weeks following the death of Frank tested the foundation of our family's faith. Life as we knew it would never be the same. The farm ceased to hold its charm as another new beginning came towards us. I lost the greatest adventure partner and the love of my life. I would have to go on while carrying the precious memories in my heart. As a family, we would stick together. Jesus would help us through. He has always been the good shepherd that we trust in through every part of life.   "It's hard knowin' Frank won't be walkin' in the door," I said, sitting in the living room. I reached up towards my face to wipe away a fresh flood of tears. Della reached for my hands and took them both in her own.   "He was a good husband. A great father. Y'all had such a great love story". Della, responded, her voice cracking as she spoke. "Nothing will be the same, but I know he would want you to keep on k...

      (Lincoln County, West Virginia: July 1963)   The sense of purpose that I longed for as a little girl had found its way to my heart. The countless years working at Berman’s have filled my heart full of passionate joy. The girls and I formed a precious family-like bond. The customers meant a lot to me. Day to day life was abundant in blessings. Our family's faith remained solid through it all, as the good shepherd never left our side. His presence would always be enough.   The little bell sounded as the door to the shop inched open. The young woman looked familiar, as she frequented Berman’s quite a bit. I always loved having the chance to meet people and found my voice working in Charleston. Every day the town seemed to be bustling with even more friendly faces.   "Hi!" the young woman said, looking around the shop.   "How can I help you?" I replied,  walking up to the lady, smiling from ear to ear.   "I need a dress for a dinner party t...

   (January 1948: Lincoln County, West Virginia)   The passing of four years and some months happened in the blink of an eye. The loving presence of our family and unwavering faith in the Lord provided so much strength through a period of unimaginable grief. Life back on the farm introduced us to the love of new faces. One of Frank’s great adventures led him to bring home a whole slew of dogs one afternoon: Newfoundlands Otis and Maizey, Basset Hound Libby, Minnie the mutt, and Ody a precious black labrador. At first, I wasn’t sure how we would care for them, but they immediately stole my heart.   I loved watching Gordon have a chance to make his own farm life memories; he was always playing Cowboys and Indians with his cousins and enjoying the beautiful seasons that surrounded us; the sweet reminder that time is precious. The smell of mama’s tomato hamburger soup always brings a smile to his face. It is his favorite meal. Finding joy in those small blessings was sti...

                                               (December 1943: Lincoln County, West Virginia)   The tragedy unfolded one day before Mavarine’s birthday. The next time we saw our precious girl, she lay peacefully in an open casket with a gentle netting draped over her face. The days that followed proved to be the hardest days of our lives. Mavarine wore a pale pink dress with the doll she had begged us for tucked at her side. Our whole family would never be the same. Despite the heaviness of loss, we knew that the loving presence of the Lord would help us through the valley. The comfort of His refuge would fill the sorrowful space in our hearts.   “If I hadn’t asked yall to come to the parade, this wouldn’t have happened. It’s all my fault,” Della’s voice rang of guilt. She began to cry after the service was over and we were alone as a family. We all needed ea...

                                              (December 1943: Charleston, West Virginia)   December rolled around before we knew it and the Christmas parade came to town. Della’s baby, Anna, would be in it this year. An evening spent with family was the perfect way to drum up some extra Christmas cheer. There were blessings to be thankful for this year: Frank made a full recovery and both Mavarine and Gordon had accepted Christ as their Savior. Life on the farm wasn’t the same as our time grew busier.  The newness of everything brought so much peace and joy to our lives.   “Awe, look there she is!” Della shouted excitedly. Mama and I smiled, looking on as baby Anna made her appearance on a tiny float wearing the cutest red dress and black buckle baby shoes. The whole family planned to watch the parade, and then Frank and I were going to go Christmas shopping ...

                                           (October 1943: Lincoln County, West Virginia) The year and a half that followed planted the seed for new beginnings in our family. The daily farm routine became strangely unfamiliar as the ongoing presence of war tested our faith beyond our comprehension. The road of life was teaching us to lean on God through it all; to trust in the power of His might. Frank always says that change is a good thing. I love his love for great adventures. I knew wherever we would go, the Lord would be there.   Our brothers came home last year and Frank soon found a job building tanks in a nearby plant as part of the ongoing war effort.  The world found itself recovering from the attack on Pearl Harbor. Life was always unpredictable and no one could prepare us for what would happen next.   “You’re so tired, and your lungs sound terrible,” I ...