As I was scrolling down through my morning games and mail, via the internet, DJ Don played a wonderful song … “The Way We Were” by Gladys Knight. The song started off talking about the good old days. It made me remember being on my bike all day long as I pedaled around Jackson, Ga., with my two brothers. I still remember us camping in the backyard under our dad’s olive green Army blanket he’d brought home from Germany. We even cooked our breakfast in his mess kit too. We played cowboys and I wore my Dale Evans boots and hat. I loved riding to the library later, on our bikes. I enjoyed school, and was amazed at the new foods I found in their lunchroom … the chili blew my mind!

  I grew up, got married and moved to Henry County for more good old days. I loved how everyone closed their businesses on Wednesday and looked forward to picnicking at Indian Springs  and swimming during the summer at Davis Brothers Motel, for free. I still smile as I remember sleeping in the back yard on our inflatable mattress and our German Shepherd, Bullet, would sleep with us. After starting off in the Stroud apartment building on Keys Ferry, we moved to Ola, to a little yellow house. I would tuck my infant twins into their stroller, and walk across 81 East to shop at the Norman-Turner store. I’ve seen it again lately on Facebook, and of course in the Times. They kept a dog inside that store and, in the colder months, he was curled up by the wood stove. They sold canned goods, overalls, tools, and lots more, but of course no fresh vegetables. It’s neat that there will one day be a Publix where that building once stood.  

  My kids’ dad took off and I sold The Yellow Submarine and moved to the Henry Hilton. The little yellow frame house was moved back to Jackson Lake and a BP gas station now stands where I once cooked and cleaned, and planted my tomatoes and cucumbers. I went inside one day to buy a lottery ticket, well really just to go stand in the place where I’d once slept, and told the clerk I used to live there. I got a smile, but, I didn’t win the lottery.  

  I think the best thing about the good old days is the caring community we lived in and worshipped with too. But, you know what?  We still have that and I bet it’s not just in Henry County either. Neighbors always call to check on me when they see that red ambulance parked next to the mailbox. Sometimes Norman will fall and I can’t get him up by myself, but the kind firefighters and EMTs know just what to do and are cordial and professional as they come to assist. And just like my mom did, in the good old days, I ALWAYS pray for our heroes!

  Another ‘good old days’ memory is covered dish meals at our churches, and yes, we still do that at Mt. Bethel. A favorite memory of mine was my first homecoming service and discovering the platters of fried chicken, potato salad, deviled eggs and casser-oles waiting outside on the big granite tables. It was then that I knew I’d found my next church! I hope we get to have that neat service this year and I bet we’ll have a great sermon and then an awesome meal. Another sweet Mt. Bethel memory was the all night singing we’d have the Friday after Thanksgiving … gospel music of course.  

  So, take out your memories, polish them … and thank someone who gave you a good old day!