The Driveway
For well over sixty years I've watched as people come and go. I've endured the wheels of cars, bicycles, stollers, large tractors, countless trucks, speeding four-wheelers, and mini bikes sneaking out in the middle of the night. Through the years, I've felt the slower feet of the older folks and the light running of the children. At one time I was adorned with beautiful pine trees and I was "the talk" of those who travelled from Nashville to Ashland City. As with so many things I've seen, the roots of the trees got too big and started to cause me to crack, so now the trees are gone.
I've heard the many conversations that happened as people got their daily exercise or just walked to get the morning paper. I even saw when cars sped out in anger or ambulances arrived to help in emergencies. I was especially strong when the big black car arrived to transport Big Daddy away from his home, because I knew how many times he had "walked the drive" and "shut the gate" and I knew that I was expected to be strong.
I've seen Battle leave early in the morning, long ago, with Granddaddy Redden to go sell vegetables off of the old truck. I loved the days when the bus would stop and Battle would use me to run to Granddaddy Redden, never stopping to go inside, but going straight to the fishing hole.
I've watched lots of children run and play through the years and I've seen the same ones drive out in their own trucks with their own children. The best days are when everyone comes back.....talking, laughing, playing, working, cutting hay, gardening, fishing, shooting, eating, sledding. They've taken great care to mow, and trip around my edges and I've remained strong through the years. I've led them to the freedoms of the outside world and escorted them back to the safety of the white house at the other end. I have had the privilege to watch as many hard lessons are taught but many blessings are gained. As children grow and leave....they always come back and I will always be here to welcome them.
5/15/2014
