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Hometown Reflections Southern Exposure First Mother's Day Away

Granddaddy's Reflections

Hometown Reflections

(On Gleason, Tennessee)

As I sit on my porch on a warm summer’s eve

At peace with the sun going down

My mind wanders back to my childhood days

Growing up in a small southern town

It was a town where you knew everyone

And where you liked most everybody you knew

A town where families helped others in need

And where others were there to help you

It was a time when kids going to school

Were actually encouraged to pray

And you didn’t worry about offending someone

If you chose to observe Christmas day.

It was a time where deals were made

And then sealed by two men shaking hands

And a place where nothing was valued more

Than the character and the word of a man.

It was also a time of warm summer days

That now seem - so very long ago

Days filled with friends - baseball and bible school

And Saturday afternoon picture shows

As a place to live during one’s early years

A better place could never be found

I am pleased to say that I was born right here

In this great little Tennessee town

Jim Johnson

Southern Exposure

The chirping of crickets

On a quiet summers eve

The hoot of the owl

The wind through the trees

The warmth of the sunshine

When the rain’s come and gone

The smell of cut grass

From a freshly mowed lawn

A special dinner on Sunday

When the preacher came by

Fried chicken and dumplings

Mom’s apple pie

A car ride in the country

On a Sunday afternoon

A tender first kiss

Under a star circled moon

Getting up early

To go fishing with dad

We caught next to nothing

But what fun we had

Growing up with family

Spending time with friends

The joy of one’s youth

All too soon ends.

The flickering of fireflies

After the sun has gone down

Precious memories of childhood

In a small southern town

Jim Johnson

First Mother's Day Away

Now it’s only been a little while

Since you passed away

Only about a year has passed

But now it’s Mother’s Day

How do I find a way to tell you?

What words do I use to say?

Just how much we all miss you

On this - your most special day

Now, you aren’t here to get my flowers

And you aren’t here to take my call

And you aren't here for me to tell you

"You're the best mother of them all"

Today, the words I need escape me

And the pain of missing you is real

And it's so very hard to find a way

To share the feelings we all feel

But may this simple message

In its short and simple way,

Somehow let you know - we all still love you

On this - first Mother’s Day away

Jim Johnson

Granddaddy’s Reflections

Listen now - my little one

To the words your Granddad has to say

As I reflect upon your visit with us

On this - your first Thanksgiving day

I’m thinking that you are - surely a miracle

Sent to earth - from God above

To bring your parents great joy and happiness

And teach them - how much they both can love

I can see their pride - and their love for you

Now reflected in your mother’s eyes

As I recall, long ago - how I once held her

When she was just about your size

And I recall your smile - as I held you

And how very warm you were to hold

And I think of how special young babies are

As I find myself - now growing old

And I wonder - what in life awaits you?

As you grow from a child - and then into a man

And I pray that God will always smile on you

And always lend you a helping hand

I wish you today – all the best in life

May your days be filled with laughter rather than tears

And may you know your granddaddy still loves you

Even after - I have fully lived out my years.

So I thank you for this - very special visit

And for blessing us in this very special way

And for letting me feel the depths – of a grandfather’s love

When you came to visit us here today

Jim Johnson