August 5, 2012

Down Memory Lane

Tomorrow (Monday) my sister and I are taking our mama to  visit her oldest and dearest friend as well as tour the county just south of where we live now and where I did a lot of my growing up.     Not only am I a true child of the South, but we grew up in Lowndes County, which is smack dab in the middle of the Bible belt and well known in the history books as having played a major role in the civil rights movement of the 1960’s.     I was witness to the march from Selma to Montgomery, saw Viola Luzzio’s car where it landed off Highway 80 after she had been shot while driving a civil rights worker back to Montgomery (her body had been removed by the time our school bus passed by the next morning); remember our bus being escorted by the National Guard when the first black students boarded our bus for their first day at school in Hayneville, Alabama, and many other events of that era.     

My mother’s parents relocated to Lowndes County in the 1940’s from North Carolina after 3 of their sons were stationed in Alabama.     They remained there until the 1970’s when my uncle (who never married) and grandfather moved back to North Carolina.    My grandmother has passed away the night man walked on the moon!    My mama and daddy got married in the “parlor” of my grandparents home and I have many fond memories of growing up on their farm.     It has passed through at least 2 different families since my uncle sold Canaan Farm (as it was named) and it bears very little resemblance to the time my grandparents lived there.    My grandmother and uncle worked the grounds until they were a true showplace….today there is no evidence of their hard work short of a few trees that still remain.     The inside of the home was gutted and has lost a lot of it’s original charm as it was “modernized” to fit each family’s needs.     However, driving up in the yard brings back many many memories for me.

I previously posted about our last trip to Lowndes County here.    Since my mom turned 92 she has a hard time getting around.     I’ve been anxious to take her back for a visit as I’m afraid it won’t be long before she is unable to get out for another excursion there.      She is very excited about seeing all the familiar sights and visiting with her friend.     

Do you ever take trips down memory lane?   

10 comments:

Cheri said...

Enjoy yourselves, have fun going down memory lane and be safe.

NanaDiana said...

I would dearly love to go back and visit some of the old places of my past. How wonderful that your Mom is healthy enough to do that and that you can go along with her. Enjoy every precious moment of your trip- xo Diana

Ron said...

Have a great trip. Enjoy every moment! xo

Lilly Forever! said...

I have gone on trips down memory lane with my Mom. She is now 88. Just last week we visited the lake for a day trip with my oldest daughter, 21. The simpliest things make them so happy and in turn make us happy too. I know you will have a wonderful time with your Mom. Safe travels!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Judy, Have a great trip and enjoy the time with your mom and sister.

Leslie Anne Tarabella said...

You are a good daughter - times ten! Have a good time on your trip, and enjoy the sweet memories!

Diana said...

Oh Judy, I live on memory lane........ :) love my memories. Have a great trip!

Kelly said...

It seems that the elderly live more in the past than anywhere (that is my experience) so i'm sure that this trip was special for your mom. I think it's therapeutic for them to see everything again.

Stephanie@SweetTeaAndSunshine said...

I have lived in this area all my life and never knew that about Lowndes County and the civil rights movement. My uncle lived there for years running a farm. He talks of his time there all the time. I hope you have a great trip with your mama!

Kelly - Talk of the House said...

My goodness at the history you have seen! You would be a good speaker for social studies classes in elementary schools. That is so sad about the house. I hope all you girlies have a safe and fun trip.

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