Northside Baptist Church - Columbus, GA

Stan & Rocky Cartwright

With Seniors Group

The Ballad of the Choctawhatchee River

A Father's Day Tribute to a Beloved Elder
 

Nanette Sconiers-Pupalaikis

It is always well worth the effort to listen to our elders. The stories they share of our ancestors, an adventure, or a different lifestyle, will simply fade away if we do not take the time to record their history or retell their stories to our children. We all hold something that future generations will value—After all every family has a saga and it is worth preserving. Family stories are not only tales about people, places, and events related to our ancestors but also often closely linked to our community.

I grew up hearing stories told by my father, Junior Howard Sconiers. He sometimes casually recounts an entertaining moment while we sit around the dinner table. Other stories unfold while huddled around a fireside on the banks of the Choctawhatchee River—we listened to his voice rise and fall as if it were a natural part of the river’s song or the crackling fire. Daddy effortlessly draws us into an adventure and then leaves us laughing or sighing for a quick sunrise so that we might rush out to experience such a life. He can paint the scene so real that we all became part of the chase to track ‘Old Crook-Foot’ through the swamps or hop Curry’s Ferry on a sunny day to visit folks on the west side of the river. He has a keen gift of reenacting every sound—a twig snapping suddenly underfoot, the rumbling of distant thunder, his fishing lure as it hits the water—pluuuugh! Or the cowww of his rifle when he fires.

Again and again, he has held a captive audience with his uncanny ability to tell the tale. His stories offer a journey back in time to retrieve some forgotten treasure. Papa (as his grandkids call him), keeps the brood sitting on the edge of his world—a natural and wild place, both pristine and haunting. His memorable stories of his life and that of his family and community take on special importance because they flow like the river from our past. Daddy’s tales have become family heirlooms held in the heart of his children and grandchildren. Tales that fascinate the young and give lift to the soul that always wishes to remember the good old days. His stories are a gift to each generation that preserves them by remembering to pass them on.
 

I earnestly believe that there is a wholesome quality associated with spending time with family. The ceremonial holiday gatherings and casual, everyday get-togethers become one thread of an ongoing narrative. There is deep commitment and a sense of comfort within those families who share time and stories whether they are separated by miles or live across the field from their parents, next door to their aunt, or around the river’s bend from their siblings. A sense of belonging extends across the generations and the miles.
 

Letter to Doris Wust in Germany. . .

Dear Special Lady Doris,

You asked me to share a few thoughts with you. I believe there is a destiny that makes us brothers; none goes his way alone; all that we send into the lives of others will come back into our own. It’s what my Clan Uncle called being a real human being.

We must unite in our efforts to resolve differences and get on with the beauty of life. We are in great need of cleansing our great lands. Earth Mother’s tears for the desecration of her gifts to all; we must defend her. Enforce our pollution laws and demand governments research better ways of prevention.

We love our children and grandchildren and the future progeny. It is our duty to guarantee that this land will be safe for them and those that follow. Extend love and friendship – The Brotherhood of man transcends the Sovereignty of nations. Follow the Red Road and learn, then teach.

                                                 Mvto,

                                                 Mekko Bobby Johns Bearheart

http://indianerfaehrten.himmelsreisen.de

Visit Doris' Website