I miss times when we would play for hours and hours and hours before even thinking about coming in for a drink or to take a break. I miss rewinding my cassette tapes. I miss the smell of an old library book, the old post office, the times when people sat on their porch and wanted to talk to you when you walked by. This is the type of hometown I was raised in. Bluff City, TN. Good ole Zollicoffer. All we could think about was what we would do when we got out of that town. There’s nothing in Bluff City. I wanted to move to NYC.

Guess what? My kids were raised in Bluff City and I’m not moving away. I am a few miles down the road in Piney Flats, but close enough. My daughter lives in Bluff City.

You grow up and go, go, go. You never have a chance to slow down. Bluff City will slow you down. It’s such a peaceful place that holds such precious memories for me and my dearest friends. We have many tales of the big Z.

OR

Give me the country smells of plant life and grass being mowed over a smoky,smoggy cityscape anyday.

Someone I miss…this will be a few.

My Nanny Dorothy was 1st to pass. She was the most amazing person that had a way to make all who were close to her feel they were the only person in her life. I loved her dearly.

My Papaw Roger beside my Nanny loved this woman more than I ever imagined possible. They were so sweet. If you ever wanted to know 2 pure, genuine hearts…this would be them. They don’t make them like these 2 anymore.

The next one that passed was my cousin, Robbie. He was like a brother. Man, I miss this crazy fella. We talked so much. We talked about everything. He was such a fabulous dad and person. He would do anything for anyone. Especially if pizza was involved. He was awesome and gone way too soon. He had so much left to do in this life. This one hit me hard.

Next was Papaw TJ. Everyone needs a Papaw like him. He played with us when we were little, he played pranks, he loved us so much that he would tear up a little everytime he’d tell you he loved you or was telling you bye. Then he’d hug you a little more and say, you can’t love me anymore than I love you. He was so, so sweet to his family. We were his world. His death was sudden. I’m so thankful he didn’t suffer. He was 89. Still so full of life though. Gosh, I miss him so much. He never missed telling me how proud he was of me for being a good mom, for my work ethic, and my weightloss.

Others I have mentioned in the past would be Nicola and Vicky. I didn’t talk to them as much recently, but loved them and they knew it.

I also miss my dog, Gizmo. This fella was my baby for 13.5 years.

I miss what was. I know things will never be the same. These people and pooch touched my life each in a different way. When they go on before you, I have faith that I will see them again. I long for that day, but until then…I just hope to be half the grandparent that mine were to me. It’s time now to make new traditions. We have a new generation to bring up and give these types of happy memories to. The dead wouldn’t want us to be sad and stop living. They would say, I’m good… I’m great. Live your life, I’ll see you soon!

I am fortunate to have such a wonderful circle of people who surround me and love me. They know my faults and love me anyway.