Columnists, Opinion, Z - TOP HOME
 By  Staff Reports Published 
11:40 am Friday, December 20, 2019

Homefolks U.S.A.

Hi folks,

It’s Dec. 10 as I write this story for Homefolks U.S.A. The weather is a little chilly; the clouds have hidden the sunshine, and snow flurries – with a little bit of sleet – are falling.

It’s rather quiet around the business today. I guess the bad weather has kept folks in their warm houses. A few of my good friends have a paid a visit today, and one even made a purchase.

I am really not in a happy state of mind today, and I never am on the 10th day of December.

I received a text from Jennifer, my daughter, that made me feel a little better. She is not having a good day as well.

I received a call later in the day from Jennifer, and we had a rather long talk, and things seemed to be some better for the both of us.

Let’s go back in time to Dec. 10, 2015.

This day was about like today’s, weather-wise, except no snow or sleet. The sun was shining, but clouds were still present at times.

My small family was in the living room at our home on Cleveland Street in Florence – Jennifer, myself, my little dog Katie and my wife Mattie.

Eight months prior to this day, Mattie suffered a stroke from which she had never recovered. This morning we could tell she was quite different; she didn’t notice a lot that was taking place, her eyes looked a little different, and she was not moving about much in her hospital bed.

As the morning progressed, we could tell the end was drawing nigh.

Around noon Jennifer was holding her left hand, and I was holding her right hand, and no grip was present in either.

In a very short time we said our goodbyes as she passed from this life.

We honored most of her requests for the funeral service. She always requested a closed casket – we honored that. She said “Leave my wedding ring on” – we honored that. “Read the 23rd Psalm” – we honored that. “Just a graveside service” – Sorry Mattie, we had a full service. “Put me in the cloth-covered pine box” – Sorry Mattie, we just couldn’t do it.

I’m sure she was OK with our decision.

Thanks for the memories.

Thanks to the readers of Homefolks U.S.A. for allowing me to share my feelings with you this week.

Your friend,

Bobby

Also on Franklin County Times
The sky turned black, and he lived to tell it
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
By Brady Petree, Addie Broadfoot For the FCT 
April 29, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — By the time April 27, 2011, arrived, Rodney Smith had already grown accustomed to the warnings. For days, sirens had gone off across F...
EMA warns: Don’t rely on storm sirens
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Franklin County EMA Director Mary Glass said outdoor warning sirens should not be residents’ primary alert system during severe weather...
Ex-principal recalls lost students, teacher
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
SEARED IN THEIR MEMORIES
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
April 29, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — On the morning of April 27, 2011, Phil Campbell Elementary School (PCES) Principal Jackie Ergle was aware of the threat of severe weat...
West Elementary hosts Careers on Wheels
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — West Elementary students climbed into concrete trucks, explored emergency vehicles, and learned about skilled trades during the school’...
Cultura Garden Club spotlights pollinators
Columnists, News, Opinion, ...
HERE AND NOW
April 29, 2026
Bees, butterflies and plenty of garden talk filled the room as Cultura Garden Club members gathered at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellvill...
State should broaden its readiness definition
Columnists, Opinion
April 29, 2026
Families across Alabama are asking hard and necessary questions about what’s next for their high school students. What’s the right path for my child? ...
Local group seeks to help veterans
Franklin County, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Veterans in Franklin County who need help with groceries, transportation, meals, wellness checks and caregiver support may not always k...
Free CPR, home safety programs offered
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The Russellville Fire Department is offering free CPR classes, smoke detector installation and home safety inspections as part of an ex...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *