I woke up this morning snuggled under a quilt made by my great grandmother Cox, to the beeping of a smoke detector, and the strong, welcoming smell of bacon....pretty fantastic. After 24 hours at my Great Aunt Lena's I am full.... of stories, hearty food, and love for this crazy family I come from. Mountain folk are strong, and these aunts and uncles two generations removed from me survived wars, the Great Depression, and growing up poor in the holler. Corn was grown straight up the mountainside, and they may not have had much, but they were rich in love and adventurous stories.
I didn't realize how important it would be to have Lena's blessing on my restoring and using Tiv's guitar. But I felt a definite exhalation when she said it was right for me to have it and that she knew I would "do right by Tiv and the family."
This is just a quick update....Dad and I are on our way home today and stopped in the wilds of West Virginia at a Wendys to throw back some burgers and chili. I am beyond thankful for this man who easily wanders along with me....or allows me to wander with him. :o)
More from Kentucky to come......
