Ohatchee Sundays

As grown-ups when we look back on our childhood there are experiences we remember that truly shape who we become. I am one of those people who loves to reminisce about times gone by. Today I look forward to Sundays because they were so special growing up. Mom and Dad worked hard all week in the local cotton mills so they made the most of what would often be their only off day. Sunday was a day to spend with family, enjoy great southern food, and make lasting memories.

My Mom is a great southern cook and she really enjoyed preparing a “feast” for as much family as possible. My Dad’s family, “The Goodwin’s” were from Ohatchee and our family was abundant. My dad, affectionately known to his six siblings as Ray had two brothers and four sisters. He was born as the fourth child of Floyd and Ruth Goodwin. Floyd and Ruth were perfect grandparents to me. They existed to make sure I was spoiled. The things I would get in trouble for at home were completely acceptable at Maw Maw and Paw Paw’s place.

My grandparents lived in a small white house in the Boling Springs community of Ohatchee. They were founding members of the Ohatchee Church of Christ and even though I know they had their share of ups and downs in life they remain the sweetest married couple in my memories. I can still see him sitting in the rocking chair on the front porch as we pulled up in the driveway. My grandmother would walk out on the porch, apron tied around her waist and the screen door popping behind her. It’s a vision etched in my mind that I hope never fades.

My Aunts, Irma, Barbara, Doris, Mildred and their families would come and go throughout the day. It was great to be around so many cousins and have such a great time running and playing. Occasionally my Dad’s brother Alton and his family would travel over from Georgia, this would make things even better because we loved our cousins so much and enjoyed seeing them. The front yard at my grandparents house was lined with skinny pine trees. My cousins and I would run around the trees like squirrels, zipping from one to the other. It was such a safe and innocent time. The bonds we made with one another would secure life long relationships of love and respect.

In my grandmother’s kitchen, I can remember this beautiful yellow top table. It had matching bright yellow upholstered chairs. We would sit around that table throughout the day laughing and talking about everything. Maw Maw was never satisfied with the amount we ate, she always wanted us to eat more. I can remember her saying over and over, Robby, do you want some peas? I would always say I have some, and she would reply, “but do you want some more?”

My grandparents and my Dad have gone to be with the Lord. I know they are enjoying their much deserved eternal reward. The little house is no longer there, but the love and the memories remain. I found my way back to Ohatchee in a sense. Even though many years have passed since those family cookouts, I enjoy being a member of the Church my grandparents helped to build. Several of our family members still worship there and come and go through the years, but it’s great to serve the Lord in the place where two people I dearly loved, also served. My Sundays are uplifting and filled with love in a different way now, but the values and traditions of the old days still remain. I cherish my Ohatchee Sundays…both then and now.