WESTSIDE — I could see a car parked up at the house; but since I didn’t think it would be anything I needed to know about, I just ignored it. My close relative has drop-in company often and most of the time they do not want to even know I live there. They usually sip tea, speak in tongues - you know, like what will our theme be and what color do you think goes well with wilted green. I don’t need to be introduced or even breathe the same air as the dainty little ladies.
The noon time was creeping up on my interior clock.My stomach can call off the minutes from twenty to twelve and hits a gong when the big hand and the little hand coincide. I made it to the back porch and was quietly scraping my boots when my close relative smiled and invited me on in. Not a normal thing if she has company.
It was a delight and a big thrill to see old Sam and Ada! Sammy and I had been raised a few miles apart and we roped some of the same calves and spurred some of the same old horses years ago. Ada married him despite all the kind folks tellingher not to do it and they have a fine bunch of offspring. We sure had us a nice visit and my close relative put on a fine fried chicken dinner.
Sam has been shoeing horses since before they decided to call the folks that were tough enough to do that farriers. He has not been a patient man and is probably best suited to working the tracks where kids and women aren’t around very much as he can call a horse a lot of uncommon names. I know for a fact that he does not hesitate to lay a rasp up side of a horse’s belly just to get his attention.
Ada is looking tired and yet she is still keeping up with Sam. They were on their way to a job in Nebraska, had about forty horses to shoe and probably more when they get there. Ada said Sam is slower than he used to be and better at taking his time, but he still wants it all his way.
I asked about them driving a car, and Sam said it wasn’t his idea but they have a kid who is on the road with a trailer and that is all that is needed. Even has a forge so Sam can do hot shoes if necessary. Ada said he can evenswing a horse if one wants to lay down on him while shoeing. I guess that is making life a little easier, but I know Sam is as old as I am and that ain’t no spring chicken!
We tried to get them to spend the night and let us have a big spread so they could meet all the offspring and Grands, but duty called and they rolled out of here about 4 headed for Nebraska.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, friendships are so priceless and dear that not even one should ever be counted lost. We all have skinned shins and knots on our heads but, by the time we are old enough to make any sense at all, we should know how important a friend is! A man making his way the only way he can see, and trying to do it and hold a family together, is a hard row to hoe, and we all haveit to do.
I am thankful for a friend no matter how well I know him. If he will smile and “howdy me,” I consider him a friend - someone who would save you from quicksand or drowning in muddy water.
And Sam and Ada made my day, stopping by to visit and shake my hand again after all those years!
Be a friend. It’s a good thing to be!
Bill is the pen name used by a local writer and longtime resident of the Gravette area.
Opinion, Pages 6 on 07/06/2011