A part of my rural living story - part #1

**homesteadmamma** · 09-08-2002, 12:57 PM

When I first moved to our small rural town, I was so overwhelmed with all I seen and experienced that I wrote a few things about it. I wrote this elsewhere but want to share it with all of you has my friends. I'll add to the bottom of the story because I've now been here almost 9 full months and things have changed a wee bit in most of my stories. (I'm going to add one a day until I get them all posted, sure hope no one minds.)

THE OLD GENTLEMAN

I sit, looking out my living room window as the older gentleman walks down the street once again. I wonder what has he experienced has this has been his home all his life. Does he miss his wife that just died recently. Does he long to sit and talk to her, to share about their life. Does he long to walk beside her, to dream even at their age. Does he long just to see her face, to wake up beside her in the morning after a good nights sleep. What can he tell us of the history of our small town. Does he know exactly the year our home was built. Oh the questions I would ask him if he came into our home.

And then I watch...he is now in the shop with dh. What do these two men share. A common love of family, a love of the country or might it bring back memories for this man of woodworking or building something for his homestead of years gone by.

I watch....he walks oh so slowly. Is he lost in a world of memories or is he just enjoying the slow pace of life, the pace that I've come to enjoy in such a very short time. Is he walking slowly to enjoy nature at its best, the sun shining brightly upon his withered face, the snow sparkling like diamonds upon a wife's hand.

Does he walk so slowly because he thinks this may be his last. I hope not because I would miss this gentleman walking down the street, has he brings back memories of my grandfather and of times past. I hope not because if time permits, I want to ask him in for a cup of tea and get to know him and what he stands for. I hope not because I would like to see dh and him have something special to share.

This man walks slowly past my house.

Just another small thing that brings a smile to my face and quickens my heart in our little town.

Added on today Sept. 8

He still walks by our home and says hi. Times he will stop and chat and tell us about his life, how he farmed for so many years and where. He is hard to understand because he is french, but I still thrill each time I watch him walk past.

Hes waiting.....I'm not sure for what. I haven't asked. I'm sure though he longs to see his wife again. I'm sure he longs for something no one can share with him. And yet, he waits.....for dh to have his extra scroll saw fixed. Does he long to do some woodworking, talking, or just having a cup of tea.

He watches...... our garden all the while it grew. Did it remind him of gardens past, flowers blooming by the hand of his wife, veggies being canned for long winter months. He watches....our children outside at play. Does it remind him of heartaches experienced (he has no children).

He listens....has dh talks about woodworking. He listens has we talk about the weather. Does it remind him of droughts past, of wheat failed, of cattle prices gone down?

Yes this gentle man still brings a smile to my face each time he passes by.

**Sara Noel** · 09-08-2002, 11:11 PM

This is so beautiful. I can't wait to read more.

Sara

**captclearance** · 09-09-2002, 12:07 AM

This is a lovely story...Thank you, just what I needed before bed...

**KathiS** · 09-09-2002, 03:59 AM

What a wonderful story. I am so glad you took the time to share it with all of us.

**janken** · 09-09-2002, 07:01 PM

I loved your story. What a vivid picture I had in my mind as I read it. Can't wait for the book!

Janet

**COUNTRYBUMPKIN** · 09-09-2002, 07:45 PM

thanks for sharing this. How neat!

**Katybird** · 06-26-2003, 11:19 PM

**MJsLady** · 06-27-2003, 12:29 AM

CJ, we must be cosmically (not comically!) connected.
Just yesterday I was going through a packet of writng I had saved, and I found #3- 8 of the journal you had posted at the old place.
I was going to email you and ask you to post them here!
All those miles away and we still think alike!
Thanks for the update Sis, I wonder about the old man on occasion!

**mrscornbread** · 06-27-2003, 01:58 AM

What is this kind sire up to now?

more...please?

I love this, you should be a writer CJ

**Darlene** · 06-27-2003, 08:31 AM

Thanks CJ, very moving.
If we take the time to look& listen our lives can be enriched beyond measure by people who enter our lives everyday. So many stories...