First Memories

Today I have been trying to think of what I remember first about growing up in Lumberton.

Some things came to mind....

- Staying with Aunt Ruby (Ruby Justice.....we were not "blood kin", but that is what we all called her.) I watched Family Affair with her everyday! :)

- The days we called "Syrup Days" at Uncle Grady's and Aunt Ruth's (not blood kin....but same as "Aunt Ruby", they were our family!) Grady Brown would invite what seemed like a slew of folks out to his house when he made syrup. Everyone got to bring home one of those bronze tin cans with the best syrup! I remember visiting them all the time......the things that stick out in my mind are: fishing in the ponds back behind their house, her "red" china, and that she had this pretty bench at the foot of her bed. :)

- Grocery shopping at Carr's grocery. You always felt special when you went in there. Mrs. Carr's smile shined so bright, and Mr. Carr always had to joke with us about something. And, no one's bologna tasted like the bologna cut fresh there!

- Learning all those songs at Olive Baptist Church from Mr. Dionne and Mrs. Elaine. :) Just the other night, I was singing with the boys...."And if the devil doesn't like it, he can sit on a tack"!

- Christmas time at Western Auto! I could not wait for Mr. C.H.  to get in the Christmas stock next door to his main store. Mrs. Sunshine Bishop sure lived up to her name.....she could light up a room!

- The Lumberton Library and Mrs. Martha Namie.....I try to take the boys every once and awhile to the library. Every time I mention to JC about the "Martha Namie" Children's Room. She was some kind of special! She truly gave me my love of reading!

- Bogle's Store - Loved, loved this store. I think every kid in town liked it. :)

Feel free to share your memories. May they draw us to pray more for our hometown, its citizens and leaders. It may even fuel a fire that is worth burning called "Enthusiam" which might lead to growth in Lumberton!