In 1971, I retired from the United States Air Force after 22 years. Although I loved the American west and if a lone decision was all that was needed I may have remained in the west. As Florine, my wife, was from this area of NE Georgia I considered her desires and also the needs of a young daughter, Amy. We wanted to live in an area suitable for a good home life and good schools, so we returned to live in Habersham County, Georgia. It was a good choice!
While the western mountains are more rugged and more “wild trout” still swim in cold, snow melt streams these Blue Ridge Mountains covered with hardwood and pine trees shelter lovely green valleys and still provide some good fishing. The main pull, though were the families and people from whence sprang Florine, my wife, and I. Also, the educational opportunities were better here in Georgia.
After Amy finished Habersham High School she started at Truett-McConnell College – where I met her mother while attending there – then graduated at Piedmont College. Later Amy took post-graduate courses at both the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech. Equipped with an inborn talent and education involving chemistry she began a career at Ethicon where she still works today.
When I left home in 1950 the world was changing and is changing even faster now. I would not have foreseen the radical changes in NE Georgia since my retirement from the service in 1971. I am glad that Amy received most of her education in this area, where the people tend to be conservative and more folks hold the principles needed for a good sound life. I know that in recent years the drug problem swept across the country and is a major problem here and now. Florine also was able to spend time with her ailing father before his death. Her mother had died some years earlier from a blood clot following an operation.
We immediately joined a local church and have been involved in it through the years. While population growth, changing mores and modern paced living have increased problems in health, family life and moral standards there are still good elementary, high schools and colleges in this area. The secret to good moral lives still lies in good parents, schools and churches.
As a former farm boy I love the feel of good soil on bare feet! Actually I don’t go barefooted outdoors any more, but the expression means in my mind and heart I love the good earth, farms, woodlands, streams and lakes of this lovely area. I still enjoy walking trails by rippling streams and love to hear a soft breeze combing the leafy cover overhead. While both arms have been badly hurt at various times my legs still can cover the miles and to God I am thankful!
Later I do want to share some thoughts and perhaps photos on my lifelong love for the American west. Many citizens from here visit the west every year, just as people from other areas come here. Yet the more graceful Blue Ridge Mountains, rising fold on fold into the blue haze on the horizon, are my first love. I was born in their midst, and to them I came home to end my days.
This poem was written on a walk down Panther Creek:
“As I walk trails all alone I sense those who now are gone.
Strands finer than those spiders weave are tied to those who had to leave.
Their essences linger in shady coves and amid ancient oak groves.
Thus I leave the clamor and din to stroll where ancient ones have been.
So are blood ties with folks of old spun strong with love finer than gold. “
