August 1886 - Changes

"Well said Brother Stevenson, yes mighty right," the Methodist acknowledged with his own off-center response.

The Church of Christ preacher, not to be outdone by a Universalist and a Methodist, added, "Solon, Miss Lou and Mr. John L. and Miss Bear have been the best of neighbors. I'll leave it to the Lord to sort out the goats from the sheep."

All smiled and went quiet for a few moments letting the humor fade and letting the feelings only preachers knew when they stood over a fresh grave - hope, wonder, edged by fear. Solon had conducted the service for John Longstreet Fields (1798 - 1886) with quiet dignity and solemn significance. Now, with the words said his eyes teared up and chill bumps came up even on the near 100-degree day. He swallowed hard and nodded his head, put on his hat and walked away from the two. Lou, Alex and the boys were over near Bee Spring Church. Nancy had just taken the buggy home to get ready for the callers. He walked away from the graveyard and church to the woods. He walked fifteen feet into the cooler shade of hackberry, hickory, cedar and gum trees. Taking his bearings, he walked twenty more, took off his hat, pulled his clean bandana out of his right back pants' pocket and wiped his face of sweat, taking in the cotton clothes smell of lye soap and sunshine.