Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Truth About Samson

Samson, Alabama, population 2000. The shocking carnage created by a lunatic with a grudge and a gun has put Samson in the national headlines. Samson is LouLou’s home and I know the place well.

Farm land, pecan trees, broad front porches, pick-up trucks, John Deere tractors, two stoplights. Mama Frankie’s (my great-grandmother) grand home is now occupied by cousins. I’m so happy they care for the grand-old-lady of a house. I know the good hiding places within those walls; there are lots of nooks where small children fit.

Daddy Dykes (my grandfather) owned the hardware store on Main St. A dim place with the smell of nails and tools and dusty hardwood floors. There used to be a glass case by the cash register with penny candy in it. Fireballs, bubble gum, sixlets, jawbreakers and peanut logs. I could pack a lot of delight into a little brown paper bag.

LouLou’s house was walking distance to her church. She moved just 5 years ago – she walked to church until she was about 97. My mom & dad married in this little church. LouLou helped restore the bell and have it mounted in the church’s front yard. Whenever we came to visit she would take us to ring the bell. Sundays, weddings and LouLou’s grandchildren’s arrival were heralded by the resonant ringing. (Photo circa 1986)LouLou’s brother was a major peanut grower and now his son holds the reins of the many farm enterprises. Our oldest child carries the Brooks name as it means love and family to us.
Traveler’s Rest is the cemetery where many stories have been recounted beside the monuments of those who’ve gone before us. My daddy’s marker is there. And I suppose one day I’ll rest there too.

All of these memories were made on Main Street, Samson, Alabama. I am compelled to
“Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” ~Romans 12:9

So now you know some good about Samson.

11 comments:

Uncommon Blonde said...

I love it, thanks for the happy thoughts this morning!

Mocha with Linda said...

So good to see the happy side of the town!

sara said...

thanks for these great memories!

Merrie said...

What a wonderful heritage. I love the good farm people of the south. Such goodness there!

Thanks for sharing this story.

Melanie said...

Sounds like "precious memories" to me!
Melanie@Bella~Mella

Greg C said...

It is easy to overlook the good with all the bad around us. Thank you for sharing your memories. It sounds like a nice quiet town.

Shelly Wildman said...

Sounds like a wonderful place. I am so sorry for their pain right now.

Kathleen said...

Anything associated with farmland and pecans HAS to be wonderful! Long after that crazed gunman is forgotten, the richness of your memories will be vivid still.

God bless you,
Kathleen

sara said...

Just wanted you to know I got the starbucks card today...thanks!!! It was a bright spot in a somewhat stressful day! Thanks also for your prayers! I am feeling them.

Ballerina Girl said...

and to think that I don't even know what the bad side is :)
thanks for sharing the good!
BG

Anonymous said...

So close to home for us. A friend was at Walmart when one of the shootings took place.

I've read of yoru Samson heritage on one or your blogs before and I think about you and uncommon blonde every time I go through Samson, which is often!