As I sit on my back porch in the heart of the Appalachian mountains, I can't help but be thankful for my West Virginia heritage. I have written numerous papers and blogs about my love for the mountain state. Today, on Mountain Mama's birthday, I continue to fall in love with this state. Honestly, I think if everyone had a little bit of West Virginia in their blood, the world would be a better place.
In West Virginia, we swing life away on porches. We chat with our neighbors for hours and share a glass of lemonade with strangers. Summer days are spent barefoot in the creek chasing the shadows and minnows in the cool water. Summer evenings are best enjoyed making lanterns with lightning bugs caught under the moon. Autumn strolls by on ball fields and campfires. The hills are ignited in color, creating an aroma of melancholy and beauty unmatched by anything else. Winter wriggles into our lungs as the boney fingers of trees are covered in a blanket of pure white snow. Giggles intertwine with the steam of hot chocolate shared after a day of tracing our way down hills on sleds. Spring reminds us of the grace of God as the hills come alive in a cacophony of bird songs and redbuds. We all catch spring fever and once again spend our days barefoot in the grass, even if there's still a little snow in the shady places.
We all need more West Virginia in our blood. Our heritage is hard work and family. This state was formed straight from the mountains, where we foster love and hospitality. The road has not always been easy for us. We are still made fun of for our backwards ways and bare feet. But every time someone sneers at me when I reply "West Virginia" to their question of where I am from, I smile because I know the secrets of the mountains. I know the values fostered in this state, which they may never experience.
Maybe our secret is barefoot days and lightning bug nights. Maybe it is the beauty we have always found in the simple things. Maybe it is our value of God and family (and here, everyone is family). Grass stains and muddy toes are not a burden to us, but a reminder of a day well spent. Conversations are not an inconvenience, but a blessing that intertwines all our stories. Food is not just a necessity to our health because a meal of beans and taters shared with the ones you love is laughter and prayers cherished for a lifetime. The world would be a better place if we all made those things our priorities.
There's something about this place that makes it home to everyone, not just the ones born here. When you breathe in the mountain air, it finds its way deep into your bones and refuses to leave. Always remember where you're from. Cherish your accent because there is a culture all its own in y'alls and hollers. Even if you move away, find a creek and take off your shoes. West Virginia is the perfect mixture of mountains, love, and simplicity. So happy birthday, Mountain Mama. You are the closest to heaven we will get on this side of eternity. I am blessed to always call you home.
