Dad passed away February 8th. Memories readily take us back to his living days, and those things we carry forward. I found a letter my sister, Donna, wrote to him in September, 2017, and she said I can share it with you.
Dad, from you I have learned the importance of speaking first when I know I have made a mistake or have done something wrong.
In my childhood I often ran with my brothers, Dale and Gary. They dug in the dirt. I would dig in the dirt. When they accomplished a feat, I too had to show that I could keep up with them. If they threw rocks, I threw rocks. One time while throwing rocks my aim didn’t hit the intended target. I hit, instead, the taillight on the trailer and, of course, it shattered it. Immediately I was reminded, “Aw, you’re going to get a spanking.” Both Gary and Dale let me know I was in ‘deep trouble.’
I was tempted to let it slide until you would notice the broken taillight. I also knew Gary or Dale could tell you, first, especially if they got mad at me. Then too, there would be my guilty conscience to contend with and the suspense of pending doom. I quickly decided to end all these thoughts of ‘what if’ and go directly to tell you.
Dad, you listened patiently while I told you of throwing rocks, missing the target, and breaking the taillight. You calmly told me that you were upset about the broken taillight, but that you were pleased that I came to let you know right away.
Over my life, when something goes wrong, my mind flips back to the trailer taillight and the lesson you taught me. I know that I have saved myself a lot of anxiety and quilt by immediately righting the wrong and/ or admitting my error. Thank you Dad!
DitchWriter 
Hi Maxine! What a nice tribute to your father. And a nice gift of your love and time during his last days in his beloved Cove. His family was a gift to him. I’m so glad I got to see him again and experience the Cove and meet his wonderful family at the Hooley Reunion. May the Lord bless you with His peace and more beautiful memories as you grieve the loss of your father’s presence in your life.
I read your book while sitting in the warm sunshine on a beach in Cancun, Mexico – and read part of it to Bill as well. I love it!! I too am attempting to write the stories of my life as a missionary kid on Bowlings Creek in the hills of eastern Kentucky. I want my grandchildren to know a little of my life in a culture they will never know or experience. My 8 siblings are helping and I have hours of their memories recorded. I am not an educated writer but have dabbled in it a little – and my mom has published two books.
While reading your book something clicked and I was inspired!! Maybe partly because I have memories of No bears out tonight, the 4-H Pledge, Thank you for the World so sweet, and rural school and church memories. I took up my phone – no pen and paper available on the beach – and wrote two pieces. I love the way you weave different aspects of the cove into one story/chapter. I have wondered how to get in tidbits without boring someone to tears. You do a Fabulous Job!! Thanks for writing and Thanks again to Gary for the gift. Sue Hooley
PS: I’m also enjoying your blog entries 🙂
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I am very excited you wrote on the spot, while inspired! How do you do it with a phone?
I found tidbits can be slipped in, here and there, and they are what help to weave in texture or give the kind of details that detail-folks so appreciate. What a process, making a book is!
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I typed it into my notes app and then when I got home downloaded it onto my computer for editing 🙂
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