Ray and I were getting to know each other, sharing our lives
one story at a time. Because he’s
a bit older, he has quite a few more
interesting stories than I do.
And this man can tell a story.
He has a certain way of setting the scene, of capturing the
essence of a character and making you feel like you are right there
experiencing some of these antics right along with him! And you know me, I ADORE a good story.
We were sitting on my couch when he shared a particularly
emotional story. He grew up in a
small town in Kentucky that coincidentally
(or so I thought) had the same
name as the small town my family
ended up settling in when my father retired from the Navy. My mother’s family was in Clearfield,
and I think my father felt it was time to take the girl back to her “people.”
When Ray started telling the story I was surprised that his
hometown had the same name as mine.
But that wasn’t going to be the only surprise.
He shared that his father was a kiln worker for Lee Clay
Products in Clearfield, Kentucky, and that they lived a very simple life. (Something deep in my memory was
awakened as I was listening to his tale.)
They lived in a small home not far from the factory and even though his
parents were vary hard workers, they didn’t have much money.
His father contracted Shingles when he was only 43, and as a
result of the incredible pain it caused he decided to end his own life. I can’t even imagine the horror and
pain inflicted on Ray and his mother, and listened intently as he finished his
story.
After his father’s death a man from Lee Clay Products drove
down to Clearfield, Kentucky and collected money from the employees and representatives
of the company and knocked on their front door. He came into their home and presented them with the money,
and let them know that if there was anything they needed that the company would
help them in any way possible. Ray
said that the man’s name was Asbury Lee.
I looked at him.
Asbury Lee? ASBURY LEE? He
was my brother-in-law’s father, my
sister’s father-in-law and the man that took ME in when I returned from
California with a broken heart after being turned away from my own
relatives. He was, in many ways,
the one man who seemed like a father to ME when I needed one so badly.
It was the same man.
I looked at Ray in complete shock. Sometimes I forget that there really
are no coincidences in life; only
incredible, wonderful, amazing surprises.
15 comments:
Chills.
You're right, there are no coincidences. It's destiny! I can't believe that the divorce isn't final yet. His evil black heart has to give out eventually!
Sounds like fate to me. And I'm so very happy to hear that you are so very happy! xo
Yes my friend, I have always, without a doubt, believed that things in our lives always happen for a reason! I so, so hope that you are filled with happiness these days!
Take care,
Sue
I am speechless.
Love this. I really hope your divorce is finalized soon!
Your divorce is only in second place from another friend's. Hang in there and I hope it ends sooner than later!! I multi-clicked on ads, hope it helps. Nice to "see"/hear you are happy!
You didn't mention running off screaming.
I'll take that as a good sign.
Ho. Lee. Shit.
Unbelievable....
Just a little aside - while reading that his father decided to take his own life due the excruciating pain from Shingles, I totally understood. The single worst experience I've ever had...
Amazing!!
I have missed your stories!
Wow!! That is incredible!
I got chills, too! Incredible! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Ooh! Goosebumps!
Like many smartphone cameras, you don't get all 13Mp as standard because it's set to shoot in 16:9 to match the screen. You'll get 9Mp unless you switch to 4:3. The camera shoots at up to Full HD so if you want 4K video, you'll need an Xperia Z for this.
That is so crazy and awesome at the same time!!
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