Yesterday I posted - and took down - my work of the past four days. That which follows is dedicated to SALLY WOODALL CARSON, recreating the deleted update of yesterday... adding pics and comments of Halloween night and Sunday morning after.
As this blog is about SAM and ME, I sometimes take a bit of license, including rarely revealed emotions I live with. I try valiantly to share that which I find surrounding our odyssey of the past nearly five years. Truth and accuracy...short of criticism and personal feelings...are an important part of that. Finding myself in powerful moments of intimacy, I become a bit confused, causing me to take a step back to gain a better perspective .
This blog update is the result of one such moment.
I am told by more than one that my presence is not accidental. Some tell me that their prayers have been answered by my arrival. That is heady stuff for anyone. I, not particularly devoted to GOD and religion, am particularly overwhelmed by Sally, her family and friends, as well as many community members who have swept me into their arms - physically and emotionally - ... I plead innocence ! ...and yet ...
...emotions I try to hide are leaking out.
I do not know how I fit into this story...and cannot see where it is leading me. I know I adore and FEAR for Sally. I know I stand close by willingly as she embarks on a journey with her lover, CLAUD, who in my presence and in the presence of Halloween Dance revelers - friends all, apologized ("I'm Sorry, Bruce..."), proceeding to publicly plead to Sally standing before him that he is dying from the return of CANCER, asking for her complete devotion to be at his side as he battles for his life.
Sally stepped to CLAUD's side, dismissing friends, family, ...and myself.
Weeping at the romance and devotion of the moment...stunned with the other witnesses, I applaud Sally for standing by her Man, extend strength and understanding to CLAUD, and wonder at the drama...of which I am a small but affected part.
...and with that, once again...
... please say HELLO to SALLY WOODALL CARSON...one of the finest persons I have known.
Home of DALLAS LOVEJOY, who has asked me to share his home for this winter before continuing with SAM on our walk into history.
A derelict barn upon which Sally's family, neighbors and friends live and love in reflected devotion to their beloved West Virginia.
Sally's family church.
Sally's home - foreground - and the home of her beloved Daughter, SUZY, - background -.
Please say HELLO to SUZY, Daughter of SALLY.
From the moment of first meeting, Suzy has been my instant friend and confident.
Please say HELLO to ANNA, Daughter of SUZY and Grand Daughter to Sally.
ANNA and her Mom, SUZY are about to take me for a four-wheel Drive through their extensive property and beyond.
Donkey pets of ANNA and Sister JAKLYNN.
ANNA opening the gate to BUFFALO MOUNTAIN RIDGE Trail.
...where one can see forever.
WOODALL FAMILY CEMETERY.
Seems many West Virginia Families have their own Family Cemetery.
CHERRY LANE Road, passing through the valley, home to Sally, Suzy, and other family members.
Home of MARY, Kin to Sally's CLAUD.
Please say HELLO to LANI, Daughter to PAT...both close friends to Sally.
The home of PAT, some 5 miles North of the city of HURRICANE, West Virginia.
Arrival of another wagon load of Trick or Treat'rs arriving at PAT's. Sally and I enjoyed Pat's dinner invitation at her country home .
Trick or Treat'rs off to the next Hollow (sounds like: Holler) Home for more Trick or Treat revelry.
Pat's front yard creek which regularly floods her home and property.
Sally dancing with my friend DALLAS on Saturday evening...my last to see Sally.
Sally and Dallas...
Pat....Sally's dear friend, with whom Sally and I enjoyed pre-Halloween Dinner.
Pat's Daughter, Lani.
Sally and Pat at Saturday's Halloween Dance.
Sally, Pat, Lani, Anna, Jaklynn and little friend at Halloween Dance.
Anna and little Sister, Jaklynn ... at the dance.
My friend, DALLAS.
Please say HELLO to JIMMIE, Sally's near constant weekly companion.
Jimmie had recent hip surgery, recovering over many weeks under Sally's personal -at her home - attention. Raising eyebrows, CLAUD is still vehement and unforgiving for Sally's night and day nursing ministrations.
Forgiveness is not one of Claud's strong points, appearing to prefer control, accusations and stalking of Sally 24/7...reason for my FEAR for her. Claud's begging for in-kind attention is, to many, suspect.
Anna photographed wearing my Halloween costume headpiece and mask.
Sally and another of her many admirers.
Sunday Morning in Church.
Sally and Son RONNIE stand in the back row next to friend SHERRIE.
Girlfriend SHERRI and Son RONNIE.
Arrangements are in place for Ronnie and Sherri to give me a ride to church next Sunday. Normally, Sally gives me a ride, but...well, we all know how that goes...we must be patient...
Brucie Baby finding out what "left in the lurch " means.
GOD's house, as for the final time, Sally drove me away.
Actually she and I are OK. Sally has embarked on a mission that excludes our dancing and friendship.
WE SHALL SEE ...
