Ever since I can remember, something has always drawn me to the South—or more accurately, something has given me a hankerin’ for the South. Born and raised in California, I’d never even visited a Southern state until the last ten years or so, unless you count the road trip my parents took my brother, older sister and me on when I was all of three. And even though we stopped at the Grand Canyon on the cross-country jaunt, the only memory I have is being forced into a shower for the first time.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when my husband, Chris, and I took the leap of faith and relocated last summer. I certainly didn’t expect that Mayberry was alive and well. Not here. Not anywhere.
And I was right.
But what we found here comes in as a decent second. At first, Chris struggled with deciphering the “language” or quaint Southern drawl—stronger in some than others. But he was ya’ll-ing with the best of them in no time. Watching an Episode of Andy Griffith every now and then doesn’t hurt, either. Making friends, born and raised right here in our little town of Lewisburg, was also helpful. We were given pointers such as using the word “coke” for any soft drink—not necessarily Coke. And if someone invites us to dinner, it’s important we confirm the time. Because dinner where we come from is supper here, and lunch doesn’t exist.
Differences go beyond the quaint colloquialisms such as “fixin’ to” and “might could” that are a natural part of the language here in Tennessee. Family runs deep. Not that family isn’t important in California, because it is. But it’s deeper here, more connected. Family stays together more often than not. Farms are dotted with several homes as the children grow up and move out—to a different portion of the acreage—so they can support each other and continue to work as a unit. The attend church together, celebrate together and do life together. It’s like going back to a simpler time.
The natural response from anyone younger than us is, “Yes ma’am” or “Yes sir.” The children in my Sunday school class call me “Miss Jennifer” and “please” and “thank you” is non-negotiable.
The pace is slower (and it’s just best to get used to it), life is simpler and Jesus is alive and well. Fast food joints play K-Love, shop owners say “bless you” more often than not, and scripture is a natural part of the decor.
The beauty here is different—not better—just different. The weather is more dramatic, summer storms keep things green and, as my son pointed out when he visited last month, we live in a Disney movie. Deer, foxes, rabbits, cardinals, fire flies, raccoon, mockingbirds and whippoorwills—oh how I love the birds songs—are just another unexpected blessing.
No, Mayberry doesn’t exist. But even so, my heart has found its home.
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You know, we have southern roots in our blood? Grandma being from Oklahoma and Grandpa from Texas. Maybe that is what has drawn the both of us to Tennessee along with the nudging from God putting that desire in our hearts. It is a whole different world down here. I still have a language barrier with my mother in law. Yes, we both speak English but her words and terms are still being translated some 20 years later. The term dinner for lunch was one that took me a while to get used to. I love that it’s common for businesses to have Bible verse decorations. I still say my children’s elementary school is the most Christian non private school. There are probably 50-70% of teachers who are Christians.
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Well, sweet cousin, you are one of the blessings I found by moving here!
I am glad you are happy in your new home. Many of the things you mentioned are what makes me glad to be in Oklahoma. The First fall I was in college, the trees were so beautiful. I fell in love. Then I met my husband. So I am still here. We have winter ice storms that are treacherous while you are in them, but the next morning when the sun shine through the icicles on the leafless trees are beautiful. Spring is a wonder with the birds showing up. Summer is hot and so humid, I felt I could not breath the first two years I was here. But there are lakes with beautiful trees, wild foxes and other small critters.
I wish you could remember more of that trip to Florida. Even my memories are sketchy. But it was an adventure. I need to visit you, but right now I am needed here. Love you.
Your beautiful descriptions bring alive the area and make me want to visit.
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We would love to have you out for a visit. Our home is always your home!