I grew up in a home often filled with laughter. Almost anything could have a funny twist without making the difficult situations trivial. This gift of humor has been a great blessing.
In this blog I want to share some of the wit and wisdom that was handed down to me through loving parents. Alva and Lorene Handkins were married 49 years when Mom passed away May 25, 1982, after a very long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. One of the greatest lessons I learned from Dad was not taught with words but with deeds. For almost 10 years, as Mom’s condition became worse, he did everything possible to take care of her. Their love, devotion and faithfulness serves as a reminder for all of us to build better and stronger homes and families.
Here is one of the many things I learned through their wit and wisdom.
Dad always had a team of horse or at least a team – even after the farming was done with tractors. A team of horses was one of the few things he had when he started farming on his own. When he no longer did any big farming he always kept a garden. Sometimes it was a BIG garden.
He still kept a team. His last team was not really a team of horses. It was made up of one ridding mare and a mule. The few time he tried to work them together was a sight to see. When they were hooked up to a wagon together the mule would be way out in front and the mare would be almost touching the wagon. It was funny to watch.
Dad wasn’t discouraged. When I asked him about it he just said, “That is one of the most willing teams I have ever worked on the farm.” I looked puzzled. He continued, “Yelp, that mule is willing to pull the whole load and the mare is willing to let him.” He always seemed eager to find a way to smile – even in the hard times.
I guess we need to ask is, “Which of these two do I act like in life – the willing mule or the lazy mare?”
I would love to hear from anyone who knew them. I would be glad to hear of other stories. You can write me at:
Ed Handkins
8504 Pinefield Rd
Apex, NC 27523
Call me at (919) 363-1760, send me an email at edhandkins7@bellsouth.net or make a comment on this blog. I look forward to hearing from you.
