So We Can Rock

By Eugenia S. Hunt

USE PARAGRAPHS BELOW FOR BACK COVER OF BOOK

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As I tried to fall asleep that night, my thoughts kept returning to the words I had shared with the little girl. All of a sudden, I remembered Norma Jean and the story she had told me two and a half years before. Oh, my, could it be possible both of them had been telling me of the same little boy? I knew then God was trying to tell me something. Why else would he have placed these two people in my path more than two years apart. There had to be a reason I was there with Jan now.

So many lives have touched mine and their stories are waiting to be heard. Within these pages are the joys, the pain, the understanding, the love, the laughter and God's plan in each circumstance. Each word is a glimpse into the inner being behind the face, through the eyes, which watch the world around me.

You just never know where God will lead you and you never know what God is leading you to. But you can rest in the knowledge He has a plan and a reason for you to be where He places you each and every day of your life.

Keep your eyes open because it is always there in wait for you to recognize and grasp...God's outstretched, guiding hand.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885401890

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So We Can Rock

Eugenia S. Hunt

ISBN 979-8-88540-188-3 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88540-189-0 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Eugenia S. Hunt

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

Introduction: Doritos and Sweet Tea

Doritos and Sweet Iced Tea

Chapter One

My Time with God

Eugenia's Lyrics of Faith

My Time with God

The Power of Prayer

God's Medley

Sit Quietly, Listen

In Grateful Thanks

The Lighthouse

Reach for the Golden Ring

His Outstretched Hand

Do You Live in A Dented Bucket?

The Man Within

Does Jealousy Rob You of God's Grace?

Does Your Vine Bear Fruit?

In A World Without Light

Scoliosis of the Heart

Chapter Two

Eugenia

My Little Town

A Toddler's Memories of Childhood

Toddling Steps

Childhood Lesson of Obedience

The Potential to Change A Life

The Key to Me

Fortunate to Be Me

A Gem of Worth

Rhyme of Time

Morning Reminiscing

My Short Walk With Stardom

Chapter Three

Family

Echoes of Reminiscence

Gramma Emmie's Apron

Stage of Wonder

Memory's Rose

The Path of My Memory

An Empty Room

Mother's Memories

Mother's Love

Mother's Memories

A Prayer Full of Miracles

The Voice of the Soul

October's Sunshine

The Man in My Dreams

A Song of Service

A Glimpse, A Memory of Love

The Best in a Man

A Friend's Compassion

Blending A Family

'Til Death Do Us Part

Rekindled Young Love

My Greatest Gift

Understanding the Man

It Is You, I Want to See

Unremarkable Life by Michael Jordan

Chapter Four

Grandchildren

Wings of Whispers

Wings of Whispers

My Baby's Baby

Paper Hearts

A Teacher's Child

His Own Person

Apple of Daddy's Eye

Southern Belle

Ice Cream Cones to Wings

A Baby Sister

Joyful Arrival

Icing On the Cake

Too Beautiful for Earth

The Wisdom of Children

Chapter Five

Friends

Amos

An Adventure of a Lifetime

An Extraordinary Friend

When I Rest My Soul

An Unexpected Encounter

Her Path of Thorns

My Halloween Friend

So Glad You Passed My Way

Pass My Way

The Hero Within the Child

Wegener's Granulomatosis

Chapter Six

America: My Amazing Country

A Veteran's Daughter

Allegiance to America, Under God

When You Pledge Allegiance

Battle

Laus Deo Praise Be to God

I Am But Cloth

Chapter Seven

Reflections of Thought

Aging Gracefully

Age of Grace

Heaven Becomes Sweeter

Guardian of Dragon Point

Lasting Happiness

I Remember You

Reap Your Destiny

Parent Estrangement: A Hidden Epidemic

What Is the Magic Number?

Chapter Eight

Holidays

Christmas and an Old Pot Belly Stove

Loss of Childhood Fables

Beneath the Star

His Wondrous Gift of Love

From A Distance

Christmas Senses

Twenty-First Century Thanksgiving

Chapter Nine

Pets to Remember

Pound Puppy to Diva

My Little Friend

The Dog's Point of View

True Devotion

Joey's World, in His Own

My Protector

Chapter Ten

Laughter: Good for the Body and Soul

An Hour in My Life

Frank to the Rescue

Laughter Is Universal

The Speed Bumps of Sixty

Ode to the Sugar Bowl

Then There Were None

Memories of Molly

Wheeling and Dealing with Grandma Mart

Ralph

Chapter Eleven

Poetry

A Page of Glory

Angel Tears

Broken Pieces of Rock

Butterfly Tears

Dad's Desk

Despite My Sin

Encompassed Youth

Faces to the Floor

Grandmother's Legacy

Her Mourning Resounds

In Grateful Thanks

Missing Link

My Mother's Voice

Myself, I Forsake

Nature Notes

Our Utmost Souls

Peace

Speak of the Lord

Stolen Years

Thankful for the Moments

The Gift of Church Family

The Hand of a Friend

The Road to Peace

The Smile

The Sound of My Silence

Winged Restraint

With Him By Her Side

The Greatest Glory

Ye Seeker of Wisdom

About the Author

Dedicated

To My

Grandchildren.

Introduction

Introduction: Doritos and Sweet Tea

With the world spinning out of control around us, we need more daily family conversations, front porch sitting, sweet iced tea drinking and enjoying the peaceful moments found there. Those who lived before us knew the simple life and thrived in its sweet presence.

My little granddaughter asks often to go to Cracker Barrel for lunch. When asked why, she always says, So we can rock! She has discovered the joy of a front porch rocker, the love of the old family stories, and a child's walk with God. Her enthusiasm for such things should immediately tell us what is important about our day.

As I write, I am sitting quietly and sharing, in conversation, beloved memories with each of you.

When considering how I wanted to begin my book, several stories came to mind. However, I kept coming back to Doritos and Sweet Iced Tea. It tells of a delightful, teenage friend who always stopped by after school when my children were small. She would sit on my kitchen counter, enjoy her favorite snack and tell me about her day. We talked often about her life as a child. This girl and her story will always be very special to me.

As you read, you will meet this girl and share in many other adventures that have come together to enrich my life.

Therefore, settle into a comfy chair with book in hand and relax as I attempt to entertain you with thoughts set to paragraph with the hope that my words may give you pleasure. These are the lyrical meanderings of my pen. Each word is a glimpse into the inner being behind the face, through the eyes, which watch the world around me.

Eugenia

Doritos and Sweet Iced Tea

Remembering Jon

Years ago, when moving back to our hometown, I called ahead to inquire of a job possibility with the same company for the position I had held while in college. Luckily, I was afforded the opportunity to begin work just as soon as we were settled.

I easily fell back into the routine of the business, a job I had always enjoyed. It was Christmas so there were several extra employees there for the season. I soon became friends with Norma Jean, a very special lady, just a few years my senior.

As time passed, we had slow periods where there was time to talk and share our lives with one another.

On one of these occasions, Norma Jean told me of her little boy, Jon. She had great sorrow in her life, losing Jon at the age of four, to Astrocytoma Cancer of the spine. Norma Jean's wounds were still unhealed and painful.

I wondered then how I would ever be able to handle the death of a child, having a little girl of my own. I prayed I would never have to face such anguish.

After the Christmas season was ended, I began to seek other employment of greater advantage and left behind my new friend.

A Lucky Meeting

Two years later, I experienced the joy of the birth of my son, Chad. Soon after, we moved into a new home on the other side of town. We had wonderful new neighbors and made friends quickly.

One afternoon, my little girl of three, Carrie, as we called her then, and I were playing in the front yard while my infant son was napping in a front room. A dog ran up and joined us happily. He was a mixed breed, about medium size and a golden brown in color.

Minutes later, a young, dark haired girl of twelve or thirteen ran across the lawn, calling his name, Lucky. She had chased him a full block and was breathing quite hard. She called to us to hold him for her, which we did.

I found the young girl to be very friendly and so sweet but with a look of sadness. She thanked us and then hurried home with Lucky before he broke loose again.

Before long, the girl returned and, after playing with my daughter for a few minutes, began to talk to me. She told me a sad story of her little brother who had died of cancer when she was only six. She spoke of going with Jon Jon to the doctor for his Chemo treatments because it made him happy for her to be with him.

I thought how sad it must have been for such a little girl to carry that huge burden.

She went on to tell me of the funeral and her loss as the days followed. It was obvious the pain had never left her, hanging over her daily, for her to tell a perfect stranger her story when first meeting.

Her huge, pain filled eyes broke my heart.

Soon after, she left to go home. In the flurry of activity later of cooking supper and bathing children and getting them to bed, I didn't have much time to think more of it.

A small child sitting on a wooden chairDescription automatically generated

Discovery, as the Day Is Revisited

However, once in bed myself that night, I couldn't stop thinking of her and realized, though she had told me her story, she had not told me her name. All I could do was hope that she would return for another visit.

As I lay there putting the story together in my mind, all of a sudden, I remembered Norma Jean and the story she had told me two and a half years before. Oh my, could it be possible that both of them had been telling me of the same little boy?

A Smile of Healing

I was anxious for the child's return the next afternoon. And sure enough, as soon as school was out, there was a knock on our door.

As she entered our home, I immediately asked her name. She laughed that she hadn't told me the day before and answered, Jan. Then, I ask her mother's name. She was indeed Norma Jean's daughter and Jon Jon was Norma Jean's little Jon.

I knew then that God was trying to tell me something. Why else would he have placed these two people in my path more than two years apart. There had to be a reason I was there with Jan now.

Jan had not seen our baby, Chad, the day before but ran to his side that afternoon with a huge smile. She scooped him up and began to talk to him with such gentleness, beyond that of a girl so young.

Before long, Jan became a daily visitor after school, and the children and I really looked forward to seeing her each day.

As she got to know the children, I began to leave her with them for short periods of time. In no time, she became my right hand, and sometimes my left, as well!

I watched her with the baby, seeing a bond far beyond that of a baby sitter. I was soon to realize she talked less and less of her loss as she happily fell in love with our little boy.

Chad could never take the place of Jon Jon for Jan but he was healing her heart, one little smile at a time.

And I was given the pleasure of watching this happen.

The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears (Author Unknown).

Sharing Our Lives with Jan

It was such a pleasure to watch her interact with both the children.

Carrie, my daughter, absolutely thought Jan had hung the moon and never wanted her to leave. She would hide Jan's shoes, refusing to tell us where they were. So many nights, Jan slept over because it was winter and we couldn't find her shoes. She always laughed so hard and then climbed into bed beside Carrie. It was good to have her there.

I remember Jan's first cloth diaper change. She was so very proud of herself as she carried Chad down the hall. He was now able to stand alone, so she placed him on the floor for me to inspect. Suddenly, the diaper fell down around his ankles and I wished I had a camera in hand at that moment to capture the look on Jan's face! After a great laugh, I took him in and showed her what was necessary to secure the diaper the next time.

Jan loved Doritos and Sweet Iced Tea, so I made certain to always have them on hand. In self-defense, however, I finally taught her to make iced tea because I seemed to always be out.

Whenever I see a bag of Doritos in the grocery store, Jan always comes to mind. I see her again, sitting on the counter in my kitchen, her long legs dangling over the edge, munching on a chip, and telling me about her day. I miss those days with her.

A small child sitting on a wooden chairDescription automatically generated

Cherish Memories from God's Hand

The days of my memories are now thirty-two years behind us.

Today, Jan and her husband, Larry, have three children, two granddaughters, and a new grandson. And yes, their oldest son is named Jonathan. Jan is a wonderful mother and her children are her life.

We live states away from each other but, thanks to Facebook, are still in contact.

I told Jan once that she is like my oldest daughter in many ways and I cherish the memories we have made together.

However, what I cherish most is the opportunity God gave me to help a sad little girl, with a huge hole in her heart, to heal. And the tool of that healing? A lost dog named Lucky and a little, baby boy named Chad.

You just never know where God will lead you and you never know what God is leading you to. But you can rest in the knowledge that he has a plan and a reason for you to be where he places you for each moment.

Keep your eyes open because it is always there in wait for you to recognize and grasp…God's outstretched, guiding hand.

A small child sitting on a wooden chairDescription automatically generated

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it (Helen Keller).

Words from Jan

Thank you, Jeanie, so much, for this story. It means so much to me and my family. We still miss Jon dearly. Sometimes, I find myself talking to him when I am down or worried. It's like he is still here with me. I love that song by Sandi Patti, Hand on My Shoulder. I will sing it to myself when I am alone and I imagine that on one shoulder I have God's hand and on the other, I have Jon's. God and my Angel, by my side. Thank you!

Jan Carpenter Henderson

A Message from Jan and Jon's Father on Valentine's Day 2012 to Their Mother

One day I looked across the classroom at North Greenville Jr. College and my eyes met with the eyes of a beautiful redhead. I thought that she was the prettiest gal that I had ever seen. As things worked out, I quit going with the girl I had been dating and, with the encouragement of her friend, I asked this red-head to go to the junior/senior banquet. After her accepting the invite, we thought it best if we dated before then.

So our first date was the Sunday before the banquet. As fate would have it, I met her parents and she met mine. The next day my dad let me know that he really liked that redheaded girl that he met. Of course, I let him know that was my feelings as well.

Those few days and happenings drew my thoughts toward her increasingly more and more each day.

Three months later, we were engaged and one year later we were married.

Now, after sixty years of marriage and five children, I can say that I love her more and more each year.

Charles Carpenter

I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help. There is no mistaking love. You feel it in your heart. It is the common fiber of life, the flame that heats our soul, energizes our spirit and supplies passion to our lives. It is our connection to God and to each other. (Elizabeth Kubler-Ross)

A small child sitting on a wooden chairDescription automatically generated

Chapter One

My Time with God

If he were your only son, could you send him to die?

If he were your only son, could you send him to die, in the way Jesus died, knowing in advance what was going to happen?

If he were your only son, could you send him to die, to save the souls of the very men who were going to kill him?

God did…to save you…and me!

Eugenia's Lyrics of Faith

The Recesses of My Mind

Whenever I write a poem, it is always based on something that is taking place in my life at that moment or something that has happened and left a remembered impression.

Many people have asked me over the years how I can just sit down and write. I can't just sit down and write. If I try to do that, nothing comes at all. I have to sit down and write the moment the thoughts touch my consciousness or they are lost. The words have to come first.

Our pastor laughs because, since I sit with his wife during service, she tells him that sometimes I am writing during his sermon. Actually, I am taking notes from the words he has spoken which will turn into a poem at a later time. He has threatened to have me read from them unannounced some Sunday morning. But you write when the words are there before you.

In Eugenia's Lyrics of Faith, I want to share some of these thoughts with you. This selection is based on my faith in God.

Please walk with me, now, into the recesses of my mind and my memory, through words and lyrical verse.

The Approaching Storm

Softly, at first, I hear the rumbling of thunder off in the distance. A few scattered drops of water are tapping on the patio outside.

The sun, though it is still day, is fading under the guise of darkness, only peeking through the approaching clouds.

Slowly the drops of water become larger, leaving circles on the hot pavement. The scent of the approaching storm is in the air.

But, though the storm promises the strong force of nature, it is peaceful, as the lawn awaits the refreshing rain after the heat of a summer day.

I realize this is true of our time with God. After a day of struggling with our busy lives, our souls are refreshed by His strength and love, preparing us for another summer day.

My Time with God

The quiet surrounds me

As the storm builds in the distance.

The hazy glow of the sun

Setting off to the west,

Its light slowly fading

As in rest from a long day.

The clouds roll in softly

With their promise of showers.

Quietly, at first, the droplets begin,

Leaving tiny circles on the sand.

The scent of a summer storm

Drifts softly into my senses.

In this moment, I feel peace,

As the gentle breeze carries the rain,

Renewing the land on which I stand

And breathing life back into its soil.

Such is my time with God.

The peace, the quiet, the renewal

Of a soul tired from daily trials.

Nurtured by His love of promise,

Strengthened by His touch

To a human heart slowly beating,

Carrying me along the paths

Of my walk with Him.

Eugenia S. Hunt

Prayer

Renewal

I have found, when life deals me a blow filled with stress and concern, the best place to take my fears and needs is to the Lord.

Even amid the noise of my life, there is time for a quiet prayer and time with Him. When no one else does, He will hear and will renew your strength.

The Power of Prayer

With upraised head

And folded hands,

Upon my knees, I fall.

Unto His name

My prayer rings out,

For He will hear my call.

I lift my eyes

To lofty heights,

In wonder and despair.

My words are heard

'mid worldly sounds,

With Him, my fears, I share.

As we speak,

He calms my soul,

I feel His strength and power.

For He is there

To guide my thoughts,

To lead me through this hour.

I feel His hand,

Its gentle warmth,

It lifts me to my feet.

Again, I stand,

My strength renewed.

With Him, I am complete.

Eugenia S. Hunt

The Music of My Heart

Whenever I hear the old Christian songs of the past, they uplift me in so many ways. As the music rises and falls, I feel peace.

Their words are usually from the words of God taken from the Bible, our rule book for life. When set to music, they touch my soul in a way that is measured by no other. The melody lifts me up and His words hold me there, safe and sound from the perils of this life.

God's Medley

My heart is filled,

My spirit in tune.

The melody I hear

As it fills the room,

Engulfs me in joy,

Exciting my soul.

Through God given pleasure,

His love I behold.

As each note lifts

My heart to his hand,

I now lift my voice

And with Him, I stand.

Amazed in the wonder,

My heart feels each beat,

God's medley of music

Heard, best, at His feet.

Eugenia S. Hunt

Find Happiness in the Silence

Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. (Nathaniel Hawthorne)

There are moments in our lives where words should become silent. These are the times when happiness seems so elusive and beyond our reach.

Be quiet so that you may hear the solutions that are being spoken to you through the sounds usually missed in the light of day.

As you sit quietly, and the sounds surround you, softly speaking, remember. Remember the wonder of God's world and the beauty in the simple things.

He has painted a picture of love for us to share and enjoy, if we will simply open our minds and hearts to the reality of it.

Man cannot begin to create the beauty the Lord has given us freely. And with this, remember Him and be thankful.

Sit Quietly, Listen

Sit quietly, listen,

Hear the gentle sounds,

They speak to you

Above the universe of noise.

Sit quietly, listen,

As the lake speaks your name,

Telling you of its secrets,

Whispers of a breeze floating o'er the trees.

Sit quietly, listen,

The bees hum their tune,

To calm and comfort you

Amidst the world's rapid resounding.

Sit quietly, listen,

As a butterfly lights upon you,

Bringing with it, happiness,

Enough joy to fill your soul.

Sit quietly, listen,

You can hear Him call your name,

Speaking in a whisper

His plan for you the same.

Sit quietly, listen,

A time before noise consumed,

He remembers still,

The hope He placed in you.

Sit quietly, listen,

As He reminds of whence you came.

This life He freely gave you,

His love for you remains.

Sit quietly, listen,

As He fills your heart once more,

All that He has in wait for you,

When you follow Him to Heaven's door.

Eugenia S. Hunt

Are You Truly Grateful?

Sometimes the days go by so quickly and are filled with so much this life has to offer, we forget to be thankful.

After praying for something important to your heart, do you remember to look up in thanks when your prayers are answered? Or do you whisper thank goodness to yourself and keep on going?

Don't forget who supplies this life for you and who is always there whenever you need Him, even when you forget to say thank you.

In Grateful Thanks

Cast your affections t'ward Heaven,

Rather than focused on earth.

Discover what Christ has given,

Long before our birth.

Your mind and soul and being,

Love the Lord with all your heart.

Make every change as promised,

This moment, from the start.

Look to God, but first, look down,

In prayer, your thanks be given.

And then look up in love and awe

To His gifts that wait in Heaven.

Eugenia S. Hunt

Are You a Beacon of Hope?

Have you ever stood on a cliff looking down at the water's edge? Maybe off in the distance, you will also see a lighthouse, either on the peninsula, jutting out into the water, or on a lone island further out to sea.

This lighthouse aids as a beacon of light to steer sailing vessels back into the shallow waters, and to the safety of the shore, at night or during a raging storm.

It is the same with God. He stands as a beacon to us to guide us through our lives, keeping us safe and out of harm, if we but follow His lead.

He also expects us to act as beacons for others, giving them guidance, directing those lost, back to His arms.

The Lighthouse

A beacon in the night

Standing tall above the waves,

Steady on Horizon's sight

In hope of lives to save.

Its everlasting watch

Withstands the storms of time,

Built upon a solid rock

Attuned to waters' rhyme.

So like this mighty lighthouse

Shouldering every care,

Steady in His love for souls

Head bowed in silent prayer.

Jesus stands upon a cloud

Offering a guiding hand,

Watching every step they take

Toward their fellow man.

With eyes oft filled with tears

He views their feeble steps,

As they sit in silent watch

While souls, in sin, are kept.

To follow in His steps

Is all He asks of them,

To shine, a beacon, on the shore

For souls in need of Him.

Eugenia S. Hunt

Reach for the Golden Ring

What do you think it would be like for you to know what the future held for your life and know you did not walk this earth for your own needs but, instead, for the needs of others?

Facing My Fear

It was a night during my tenth year and, along with four of my friends, I sat quietly as I listened to the speaker. It was a time of reflection for me with an important decision to be made, sooner than even I realized at that moment.

This was something I had put a great deal of thought into lately but, though I yearned for its presence in my life, I feared the outcome of the walk I would have to take.

Suddenly, the