Almost Heaven

Before we left Waynesboro, John Coleman asked me what I will miss about Virginia other than the people. My heart became instantly heavy as I thought about what I have loved about the land of the commonwealth.

Here it is in two parts:

Part I (hum County Roads by Johnny D as you read for full effect)

I miss... the fireflies, the rolling green hills in the spring, the strange bugs, the lightning and thunder storms, the reptiles and amphibians, the old geology, the cardinal (his song and color), wild rhododendrons, flowering trees in the backcountry, the fall, the Wengers' grape farm, the lilies in the gardens, the magnolia trees and the sunshine.

Part II (hum your favorite bluegrass song as you read for full effect)

I miss... contra dancing, the old music that has (literally) been passed on for generations, the live auctions, the stories of the land and people from the last few hundred years, the generosity, the hospitality, the quiet streets and the way people look at you as you walk by them.

We have been so blessed to be among these things. We did not live there long enough to take any of this for granted and will always remember the commonwealth with simple joy.

Special note: Photos taken by the Goldsberrys during their trip to the East Coast.