Today I went back to the church of my childhood deep in the heart of Weogufka, Alabama. I haven’t set foot in this little white church in probably 15 years. As I walked into the church this morning, several faces looked familiar—but names escaped me. Several people asked,
“And what is your name sweetheart?”
My reply struck deep into their memories—
“Little Jennifer! My word darling, last time I saw you, you were this high…how’s your mama doing, are you married yet darling?”
With all the introductions
complete, I found my seat closer to the front of the church and began to look around. I can remember going with my mom every Sunday and sitting on that back pew, singing those good old gospel hymns that are still at the root of my soul today. I remember Papaw, Grady, Glory, Sherry, and Mamaw singing together—Grady playing that old piano the way no one else could. It’s been such a long time since I laid eyes on that ‘rocking piano’. Everything looked the same, smelled the same, I think the same flowers were on display 15 years ago. I remember my Papaw leading the song service and Sherry playing the piano, 
I remember the duets that Grady and Glory used to sing—I love those songs. I remember my Mamaw keeping those tissues and cough drops tucked away safely in her Bible, I remember going to ‘children’s church’ and making ants on a log with Mr. and Mrs. Benson, I remember painting during Sunday School and messing up my lacey dress, I remember playing Simon Says on the bricks out back, I remember sitting on the church sign, 
I remember the smell of Sunday supper at Mamaw’s. I miss it so much, but things are not the same anymore- people have gone on to be with the Lord, people have grown older and unable to “come and do” like they once could. Seeing all those familiar, yet older faces made me realize how much I missed when I was younger. There are some things that just make you feel at ease, make you feel at home, make you feel like a child again—this was one of those times. Grady and Glory did sing a song together today…tears rolled down my cheeks when I saw that old piano begin to rock as Grady tapped his foot. So many good memories lingered through my mind today. I wish I could go back to those times—I wouldn’t take them for granted…
My reply struck deep into their memories—
“Little Jennifer! My word darling, last time I saw you, you were this high…how’s your mama doing, are you married yet darling?”
With all the introductions
complete, I found my seat closer to the front of the church and began to look around. I can remember going with my mom every Sunday and sitting on that back pew, singing those good old gospel hymns that are still at the root of my soul today. I remember Papaw, Grady, Glory, Sherry, and Mamaw singing together—Grady playing that old piano the way no one else could. It’s been such a long time since I laid eyes on that ‘rocking piano’. Everything looked the same, smelled the same, I think the same flowers were on display 15 years ago. I remember my Papaw leading the song service and Sherry playing the piano, 
I remember the duets that Grady and Glory used to sing—I love those songs. I remember my Mamaw keeping those tissues and cough drops tucked away safely in her Bible, I remember going to ‘children’s church’ and making ants on a log with Mr. and Mrs. Benson, I remember painting during Sunday School and messing up my lacey dress, I remember playing Simon Says on the bricks out back, I remember sitting on the church sign, 
I remember the smell of Sunday supper at Mamaw’s. I miss it so much, but things are not the same anymore- people have gone on to be with the Lord, people have grown older and unable to “come and do” like they once could. Seeing all those familiar, yet older faces made me realize how much I missed when I was younger. There are some things that just make you feel at ease, make you feel at home, make you feel like a child again—this was one of those times. Grady and Glory did sing a song together today…tears rolled down my cheeks when I saw that old piano begin to rock as Grady tapped his foot. So many good memories lingered through my mind today. I wish I could go back to those times—I wouldn’t take them for granted…
1 comments:
Sounds like you had a wonderful time visiting your old church! I enjoyed reading this post. Good luck tomorrow on your test!
Prayin' for ya!
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