Signs, signs, everywhere signs..
I had to make a run to the big box store today. I was out of dry cat food and nearly out of dry dog food. They outnumber me, so I try to make sure not to run out completely. I usually pull into the shopping center through the main entrance. Today traffic was backed up as I approached so I swung in at the first entrance. When I made a needed turn I noticed something very familiar. A tractor of a well known shade of green. Was it? As I passed I saw the name of the company on the truck. It was in fact a truck from the company where my late husband was a driver. I saw the driver opening the door to his truck but kept going. Realizing that would have sounded very odd, “Excuse me, but my husband who has been dead almost five years once drove for this company. I just thought I’d say hello.” Yeah.. no. I kept going even as I looked back at the truck and remembered.
I headed into the store and was searching for something to purchase for the group headed for Kentucky in just a few short hours. I had a forty dollar donation, and wanted to make the best of it. With it being so close to Christmas, toys were scarce and picked over. Pet food is incredibly expensive. I got the pet food I needed then headed for the pharmacy area. I found items priced that allowed me to purchase a fair amount. I checked out and headed for home. I had an item there I had forgotten plus I needed to drop off the pet food.
I then headed for where the donations were being dropped off. On my own. Really, I was by myself and feeling brave. I got to where the trailer waited and spoke with group members. We got my donations in the trailer and I hung around for a bit just in case my help was needed. There was not a great deal going on while I was there so I headed for home. I hoped to be back in town as they drove through heading out. Spoiler alert, I wasn’t.
It has been an amazing day here. We tied the record in warmth, high and low. There was a lot that I could have done, yard work, take Bella to the mountain which she made plain she wanted to do. I did debate on going back to McAdenville and wander through seeing the lights, but I didn’t want to go alone and it was obvious that my son was tired. Otherwise we would have gone to see the group off to Kentucky.
The thing is, while those affected by the storms are obviously in greater need as they lost everything, we don’t always have to go so far. While hearts and wallets were opened for the victims in all areas, we shouldn’t neglect those in our own neighborhoods. The cold, the hungry, the homeless in our towns, needs us as well. Local children, whether in foster care or in shelters or even in homes where money is tight. Families struggling to keep homes warm and food on the table. As nice as it is, you don’t have to fill fifty two foot long trailers, single items make a difference as well.
God speed my friends as you travel to Kentucky. May you arrive and return safely. We love and respect you greatly.
Words from The Dirt Road 
Amazing people, there are so many good people in this world! ❤️ God bless them!
Its been so incredible watching God work through people. All of what they collected, was done in less than a week. And yes, may God bless all of those who are working so hard to help those in such dire need.
Amen!