FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 83

We know Corrina didn’t always scoot over close, but she did that night as we drove home – our load lightened for a night, Corrina’s arm snugly around mine and showing no sign of letting go. We found the porch light on at her front door as always, but Mrs.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 82

That Friday night of July 1973 ended soon after we told the part of the car ride with my Uncle River that would change life forever. After that, we didn’t need any more words, not then.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 81

Tears gathered, and she could go no further.Corrina got up and hugged Mama again, and, for the first time that I can remember, they cried together. I don’t know if Mama had ever told that whole story. Those were the things you seldom talk about. You don’t bring them up.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 80

“We enjoyed our family so much,” Mama continued.” We went to church together, and while Zeke wasn’t interested in preaching or anything, he studied and knew his Bible with the best of them. He made sure his boys were at church, too.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 80

Corrina and I walked back down the hill face to face with the burnt orange sunset and found Mama waiting for us with a soft smile. Grandma had fixed her a hot cup of tea and stacked pillows behind her so she could sit up in bed, and she waited patiently.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 78

“Did you ever tell Corrina the hard part about your daddy, Popman?” Cheyenne asked. “Even though you're telling the story to me now, it seems you are almost putting it off, as if you don’t want to ruin your story.”I had to work that thought in my mind because I knew he was onto something.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 77

“I don’t think we ever had a bad Christmas,” she said after a moment, “not in all of our years. The Lord gave us that. It seemed that the little things were our kids’ favorites. We’d find a box of Life Savers, and the kids would rattle them around in their mouth for a month.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 77

Mama was waiting patiently when she heard the screen door slam behind us. I was nervous about Mama and Corrina’s conversation that night after we had talked about some of Daddy’s struggles earlier.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 76

Billy Ray,” she started, then paused. I noted she changed from “Pup” to “Billy Ray” for no particular reason, but as precise as I’d learned she was, I’m sure she made a slight distinction in her mind.She turned a little to the side.

FRONT-PORCH GOSPEL: This life story begins in 1973 (kind of) part 76

Everything continued as if a boy in an old blue truck had never driven out on the job and was co-winner of the blue-ribbon award for “Fight of the Century,” voted on exclusively by the chain gang bunch out on the brick job.