Dear Mason,
You and I went for a 3 mile jog today. We currently live in a small town called Gladeville (outskirts of Mount Juliet, TN). Our street is barely big enough for two cars to pass each other on. We have no street lights. We have cows in the field across from our street and horses a few yards down. Needless to say, we live in the country! On our journey we saw two farmers transporting hay on tractors. One even passed by your stroller. You didn't cry at all (which is shocking since you get easily startled)! We passed by a neighbor burning leaves. It smelled so good! We only saw three cars (all coming home from work), but each one waved to us. One was our neighbor and she even stopped to see how the stroll had been so far and said hello to you. We passed four boys (probably around the age of 14) on 4-wheelers. They had obviously been "muddin'" ... something your dad will gladly show you how to do one day.
My point is that one day, you may decide to live in a big city and/or travel the world. I hope that you do get to experience those things actually. But never forget where you came from. There is something sweet about the simple life us southerners live. Be proud of your heritage. The southern way of life is a beautiful thing and Tennessee is certainly God's country. Here are a list of country songs that I always love to listen too when I am feeling nostalgic. Maybe you'd like to take a listen ...
Back Where I Come From - Kenny Chesney
Fishin' In The Dark - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Dixieland Delight - Alabama
Wagon Wheel - Old Crow Medicine Show
Red Dirt Road - Brooks & Dunn
I love you baby boy.
Love,
Momma
Mason,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that your mom decided to share some good in the world to you through this blog. As I read through these I will try to leave a little input, advice, and stories of our life through my eyes as well. In life you will experience a variety of things. Some good, some bad.... the most important thing in life is to slow life down and recognize the precious moments. Precious moments cannot be defined or explained in words. It is a feeling that overwhelms your body and fills you with a flushed sense of happiness. I have had many of these and did not slow down and took them for granted. However, I have also had many of these that I could play back in my head in exact detail. The first time I saw you and had you all to myself was one of those moments. My body and mind felt numb with nervousness, excitement, and ignorance of what to do. My heart pounded knowing that a new great adventure in my life had started. Another precious moment was the day I married you mother. When I saw here walking down the aisle I nearly cried being so overjoyed and lucky. Precious moments.... I could almost say this is what life is about. Slow down, do not be anxious for things to come, and keep your eyes glued for these moments. Some will be expected and some will slap you right in the face when you least expect it. Your dad loves his little man.