Some Kinda Good Light

Some Kinda Good Light
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As a little girl I use to spend time with my grandfather John Thomas Williams (PaPa) at the local Exxon gas station. I would speak with people in the local community as they shopped. Some would stay for a while sitting on a crate sharing stories and I would listen with anticipation. I liked to help with unpacking delivery trucks (which often led to me picking out a free treat). Working with PaPa was hard work filled with joy.

.I truly owe much to my PaPa for instilling in me the importance of hard work and enjoying life. One of his favorite sayings while eating a good meal was that’s some kinda good.

He passed away when I was 18, 24 years ago. He was a farmer and manager of an Exxon gas station. He was the only child out of his five siblings who did not go to college. PaPa stayed back to manage the local gas station and run the family farm, he became an icon in Baskerville, Virginia. I say icon because it didn’t matter who you were he welcomed you with open arms and he was there for you during times of celebration and times of loss.

Today’s in honor of my PaPa who was some kinda good would have been 101 years old this week.

A few years ago I wrote this poem about PaPa.

EXXON MAN

Hours on end he works to earn a dollar
Hardworkn' man who isn't wearn' a shirt with a collar
Traveln' the pavement early to the store on the corner
Responsibility to be there a duty of an owner

Unlockn' the door to start a new day
Turnn' the light enjoyn' the stay
First visitor of the day stops in to visit
On a worn wooden crate, a great place to sit

Midday has arrived time for somethn' to eat
Microwave cheeseburger, ketchup in the fridge, takn' a seat
Little girls the love of his life spendn' time at the store
Eatn' rat cheese from the box always wantn' more

Vendors drop by what is he needn'
Leavn' the store to check on the cows who need feedn'
Back to the store it's almost seven
Turn the key to the Pontiac, engine revn'

Makn' it home for supper time
Scarfn' down homemade biscuits after workn' for a dime
Belly full, eyes closed snorn' at the table
Wake up for a bit sittin' in the recliner watchn' cable

Time to hit the sack and start dreamn'
Visions of farmn’ and pond water gleamn'
Roosters are crown' time to wake up
Startn early again, brewn' a big cup

My grandfather instilled in me that it’s okay to work hard, get dirty, and enjoy the moment. I remember watching how hard he worked but also how he exuded joy in his day to day life.

Let’s just say he encouraged me to take risk and in the end no matter the outcome life is some kinda good.

Papa showed me on many occasions how much he loved me and supported me to enjoy life - like the time I asked him to tie up my flower girl dress at my cousin’s wedding so I could climb trees.

He encouraged me to be adventurous because this life we have is some kinda good., we deserve to find joy everyday.

In honor of my grandfather, I encourage you to do something today that is some kinda good.