Simply Awesome!

May 07, 2007




My faith in Humanity, and the idea that neighbors still mean something has been restored! I have some very dear friends that have moved out of state in the last few years, and have found themselves starting over in a new environment, and for those of us who have had this experience, you know how hard it can be, and what a toll it can take on your budget, mental state, relationships, and general health. I am pleased, and proud to tell you that they have conquered all of these hurdles, and tell you a wonderful story I shall not soon forget, and one that I hope inspires you to give when you can, but more importantly, when you cannot. You never know how much could come back to you......

Tiny and Mountain Trash packed up their wagon, their curtain climber, and some rations and headed for the open range of Montana about 3 years ago. My heart was surely sad for their leavin' but my hopes were high.

Over the next few years, we heard all about how awful life was there; the town was so different, the people were not like them, and the finances were getting harder. But these are exceptional people, and they are NOT quitters!

They found a place to live outside the city, and quickly made it theirs....and their 14 horses, 3 dogs and two mules... and later, to our surprise, another 'Bitty came along.

Tiny was busy tryin' to keep body and soul and the whole famdamliy solvent by taking any work he could find, and Mountain Trash kept the home fires burning, cookin' cleanin' and feedin' the menagerie.

They made some friends, but not many that were like them. They did what just comes natural to them. They gave what they had, and sometimes, I know, what they could barely spare to a Codger that lived next door....they began by just being neighborly, feedin' his horses, and then, when they realized The Old Codger was alone except for the horses and some dogs, they began havin' him over fer supper!
They talked to him, and fed him, and cared. Not because they had to, but because they didn't know how NOT to care.

Usually when someone gives money, or time, or some of themselves in today's world, its in hopes of gainin'. A job, accolades, or something that will get them ahead. Tiny and Mountain Trash just give because they know how it feels to be alone, and on the outside lookin' in.

Simple Kindness.

Well, this story has an ending that I'll lay money will make your heart swell, and your eyes water....

They were gonna have to move. They had tried to buy the place on the 20 acres they had been leasin' for years,and though they really didn't want to go,there didn't seem to be any way they could stay. They would sorely miss the Codger, but had little choice. The days got shorter, and they got closer to havin' to pack up the kids, and the mules and go.....

The Codger came by during all of this for his visits, and suppers, and to chew the fat. And he had an Idea.

I want you to stay. I need you to stay. I am gonna give you 6 of my acres so you can still be my neighbors.

Tiny and Mountain Trash got the 6 acres. They received the land, with the knowledge that they would have to build a house( something Tiny can do with one hand tied behind his back) and gained a neighbor that is rare, and precious these days. A kind of caring that is usually found in books about the pioneer days, and sadly lackin' in our current hustle and bustle.

6 Acres. Did I tell you the best part? The part that will make you tear up and leave the room ifn yer a guy and yer woman is in the room? The Codger gave them the land for 1 dollar.

I guess he considered the meals, the lookin' after and the time spent talkin', laughin' and lovin' thy neighboor more important at 76 years old than any hefty sum of money he could have asked. If you knew what this land looked like, you would know, he had plenty of choice in the matter. Its about the nicest, greenest, property you ever did see, and it went to the sweetest, nicest, most worthy people it has been my fortune to count among my friends.

Queenie...Gotta get a Hankie!

Posted by april at 12:40 AM | Comments (0)