While working on research for a sequel to The Road Home, I had a lovely conversation with my dad’s elderly cousin.
Betty shared stories of growing up in the Appalachian Mountains and talked about people she knew. She grew up with my great-grandparents in the same place my grandma grew up. The Road Home is loosely based on these people and location.
She said they had nothing.
I asked if she knew she had nothing or if that’s just how life was.
“Oh, I knew we had nothing because my friends had things.” Betty shared about her friend, Carol Sue, and her mother, Elizabeth. She said they were always so kind to her.
Her story of Carol Sue and her mother affected me. They showed this kindness decades ago—possibly 80+ years ago—and though Carol Sue and her mother are long gone, their kindness lives on.
Don’t you hope someone has a story of your kindness to share long after you’re gone?
Be kind–it matters.