America is Good...

NOTE: We interrupt our regularly scheduled blog on life at Popes Store Museum to bring you this Public Service Announcement:

In the novel Lessons From Blackberry Inn, Karen Andreola uses one of her main characters to give insightful words:

"Thrift and self-reliance were what people lived by, not to be coddled and cared for by the government. It's always been family, church and neighbors that provide support, encouragement and accountability for as long as I can remember."

While this novel was set in the 1930s, the truths of this statement are still strong in America today. I know. I have seen it happen.

Family,Church,and Neighbors

Allow me to get personal and genuine with you. In early May (just 6 weeks ago), my father in law's health suffered a dramatic decline. This decline resulted in his graduation to a new life in just a few short weeks. During this time, we signed a contract to sell our home with a very brief closing period--3 weeks to pack and get out. We were too busy packing and moving to a new state, one truck and trailer at a time, to spend much time grieving,. However, we did what the moment required--both for the buyers and for the surviving widow. That is what you do, right? Thrift and self-reliance.

Exactly one week before closing, my husband's lung collapsed, resulting in a 9 day hospital stay. We were just a few days past the memorial service. I was left relocating from one state to the next without Dan. That included POA for legal papers; inspections and subsequent repairs; packing and moving a large home and workshop; caring for and moving farm animals; maintaining a home for children; and being there for Dan. I needed support encouragement and accountability....and I got it.

Family,Church,and Neighbors

These were the means to help me over the last few weeks--No governmental officials. No standing in line to fill out forms. No birth certificate or ID. Just people impacting people in their hour of need.

• One neighbor drove 150 miles in his truck and trailer to move our 10x20 shed/chicken coop.

• Two different church families took my younger children overnight so that I could have time to pack, plan, and sleep.

• One neighbor in each state kept my yards manicured.

• One family repaired his fence, got my small goat herd, and is still providing goat foster care while our family recovers from this month's turbulence.

• One of my sons called some of his buddies; they got their trucks and trailers and loaded our house with furniture--even caring enough to cover the pieces with blankets to prevent scratching.

• One young man showed up with his chainsaw to remove some downed trees from the storms.

• One brother in the faith rearranged his business appointments to help us out with repairs--even looking over every itemized list to be sure that we covered it all in the one week we had to do it.

I could go on and on with other acts of kindness. This does not include the prayers, calls, texts, and encouragements. We are so grateful to live in a community, and yes, a nation, that still knows that it is not the government that makes this nation good. It is the people that make this a great nation.

During this festive season of patriotism, know that you are not a patriot based on how you vote or whether you are a red or blue state advocate. It is what you do when your family, church, or neighbors have a need. That makes us all good Americans.

I am proud be be an American because I know that America is good. I am convinced because I saw them in action this month.

God Bless America