Sugar Grove
By Paula Mitchell
The happiest people the writer knows are those who are constantly grateful for all of their blessings.
They are meticulous in that they not only appreciate life’s big gifts such as good health and family, but also inconspicuous joys such as a cool summer breeze, a beautiful sunset, a child’s smile, a good book, clean laundry, the ability to read and write, showers, snow, not given a ticket by the trooper, a job, carpet on a cool morning, and the list goes on and on.
When talking with these people, it is very difficult to have a pity party because they won’t come. Instead, they smile and say things like, “Your lawn looks great,” “Your flowers are gorgeous,” “So and so was singing your praises today,” and “Your kids are smart.”
These “soldiers of gratitude” not only medicate themselves with contentment but bring much joy to others.
As parents, one’s children become what one teaches them — what they desire, what they hate, what they hope to become, what they respect, and what they believe. It has been said that imparting inspiration through one’s heart…the most intimate thoughts on values, family heritage, and faith…start by sharing the best advice a person ever got; cherished memories of uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents; best friends; the dangers of drugs and alcohol use; what one thinks is very special about them; one’s biggest fears; the dangers of illicit sexual conduct; one’s personal relationship with God; the biggest failures and saddest times; the most embarrassing moment; favorite books, movies, musicians, songs, authors; and one’s personal philosophies on work, religion, dating, marriage, parenthood, morality, character, failure, success, and death. These could be some of the conversational topics. They come from the heart.
In order to pass on all goodness that one has to offer, a person must share one’s heart, thoughts, time, memories, words and oneself.
Life’s little instructions for daily living include the following:
1. Hug one’s children every day.
2. Leave everything a little better than a person found it.
3. Plant flowers.
4. Relish in small pleasures.
5. Compliment someone every day.
Rain…glorious rain…was well received here in the Sugar Grove community, and appeared to medicate the bones and revive the spirit. Depending on the location, it would be accurate in saying that from Thursday to Monday, more than 3 inches had fallen. Everywhere, the river was flowing in quite a steady beat, and the earthworm’s toil was one of unending satisfaction.
Quotes for the week are as follows:
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
“You cannot do a kindness too soon for you never know how soon it will be too late.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
“You know, I am who I am.” — Kyle Bush
“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind it doesn’t matter.” — Mark Twain
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein
Sitting under an umbrella to hear the “Talk of Sugar Grove” is the best place to be.
Brandywine Elementary School held its spring concert this past week, with a crowded gymnasium of family members. The students performed an evening of songs that were enjoyed by all. Plate auctions were held for each class…a one of a kind…proved to be a successful fundraiser.
Donna and Bill Arrington attended a reunion at Middle Mountain, Bluegrass, Virginia. It had been 48 years that most of the attendees were together since youngsters. As Donna said, “Good food, good people.”
Linda and Benny Custer of Verona, Virginia, were Friday visitors of Judy and Willard Rader.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9666 “Our Five Boys” had their Memorial Day ceremony Monday at the Richard Homan Memorial Park. A nice crowd from the community enjoyed the program, which was interrupted by a torrent of rain. Highlights were of Amy Homan DePoy who spoke of memories pertaining to her father, Richard Homan, Kevin Light, the principal speaker, and Missy Harrison’s military possessions of her father, Private 1st class Eston W. Propst, that were honorably passed in to the care of the next generation, to her niece, Katelyn Propst Frank.
Roger Bodkin visited last Thursday with Charles and “Pidge” Anderson.
Weekend visitors of Tom and Paula Mitchell were Jennifer, Tim and Morgan Hoover of Bridgewater, Virginia, Janelle, Jace, and Destiny Sroka of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Mike and Kimberly Burns of York, South Carolina.
Rhonda and Helen Nash recently hosted a small gathering at their home in honor of Diane Healey’s birthday. Diane’s daughter, Marianne Fox of Richmond, Virginia, Dan Wheeler, and Norman Wilfong all joined in the celebration of balloons, cards, gifts, ice cream, and Dan’s wonderful homemade chocolate cake made for a delightful and fun time together.
Congratulations to the graduates from “this neck of the woods,” namely, Logan Fisher, Bethany Eye, and Chase Owens. The future is yours! Make the best of it!
Montana and Troy Hise welcomed Elsie Koenig on May 16. She weighed in at 7 pounds 10 ounces and measured 19 inches. Both mother and baby are doing just fine. Elsie is the granddaughter of Jim and the late Karla Moats. Congratulations!
Clickety-clacks for the chin waggers are as follows:
•O Negative is the universal blood type.
•Edward Teach was the notorious pirate known as “Blackbeard.”
•There are eight major islands making up Hawaii.
•The only even prime number is 2.
•The famous physicist, Albert Einstein, was a high school dropout.
June birthdays include Bryan Simmons and Linda T. Rexrode, second; Karen Pitsenbarger, third; Carolyn Sponaugle, fourth; Dinah Mitchel and Dale Wilfong, sixth; Kaisley Kiser, eighth; Bryard Mitts, ninth; Brianna Roberts, Paden Rightsell and Mike Armstrong 10th; Jaden Roberson and Betty Rexrode, 11th; Ed Keller, Carolyn Wilfong and Stanley Kile, 12th; and Betty Gail Hartman, 13th.
Concerns are for the family of Dillion Armstrong, Mercedes Aumann, Dave Basagic, “Bo” and Dora Boggs, Larry Byers, Stanley Dahmer, Isaac Eye, Carl Gant, Clyde Hamilton, Armanda and Steve Heavner, Keith Hoover, Cynthia Hurry, Gary Jamison, Mike and Lisa Jamison, Tara Kelley, Lori Ann Lambert, Melissa Lambert, Yvonne Marsh, Dottie Mitchell, Alda Propst, Sheldon Propst, Bernie and Margaret Sasscer, Robbie Sites, Kitty Waggy and Edwin Wimer.
