Molly's Zone

  (December 1974: Lincoln County, West Virginia)   “What a wonderful story,” Pastor Perry said with a smile. “I’m so sorry for your loss.  Would you want to say a few words before the service starts? he asked.   “Sure, I have a few notes here in my coat pocket that I wrote down last night,” I replied. “Shouldn’t we be going?”   Pastor Perry glanced at his watch. “I reckon so, are you ready?”   “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied nervously.   “It’ll be alright son, just speak from your heart,” he said, nudging my side with his hand.   The time for momma's homegoing service was now upon us. I didn’t know if I would ever be ready for this moment but my soul knew that I would one day see her again. We would both be in the presence of God’s everlasting love; the space that surrounded us would be filled with the wonderful peace, eternal hope, and boundless joy that His presence provides.   “It’s a pleasure to have you all here today,” Pastor Perr...

  (December 1974: Charleston, West Virginia)   "I am starting to see why your mother was such a soldier.” Pastor Perry shivered on the bench as he started to feel the cold winter breeze flow past them.   I smiled. I loved recalling my mother’s tales. It had taken her years to become that soldier.   “No matter what she would just keep on keepin’ on,” I replied. I adjusted my coat. It had fallen slightly off of my shoulders. “That was the best thing about her.”   Momma kept a heart of thankfulness and praise for the wonderful ways that God had reminded her of His unwavering presence. She clung to Christ because He was the faithful father, precious Savior, and wonderful friend that she could always count on through each and every storm.   Working became difficult for her as time passed by and her health began to decline. She eventually moved in with Cookie and me though she didn’t like asking for help. We bought her a new puppy in hopes of lifting her spirits:...

  (Lincoln County, West Virginia: April 1971)   No one could prepare us for the turn that our lives would take after I accepted that job offer. Frank's sudden passing created such a huge void for us; nothing could ever replace him. A new chapter of adventure began that day, though we couldn't see it at the time. We always held onto the fact that God always provided for our every need.  We were forever safe in the palm of His hand.    The newness of it all was quite overwhelming to me at first. Our lives became surrounded by undeserved plentiful blessings. Thankfulness and praise filled our hearts as the road of adventure grew sweeter. We knew that we would have the strength to endure whatever came our way because of His faithful shield.   Working on the farm fell away from us somewhat as my clientele grew.   Our days had become full of those new great adventures that Frank loved. Our story as a family began to blossom. Rosalie Combs had provided me wit...

  ( 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...