September 1, 2012
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The Wray Girls
Last Sunday we were at Hocking Hills Mennonite Church (aka Carbon Hill). At first I was sitting beside Elaine Brunk, my "almost birthday twin" who is 2 days younger than myself. She kindly told me who different ones were when I asked and later in SS class I sat beside her sister-in-law Nancy with whom I feel quite comfortable.
After church I was busily occupied visiting with some of the women when Nancy came up to me and introduced me to her youngest (I think) grandchild. That was sweet....I later regretted not asking to hold him. I was preoccupied I suppose but I'll bet Nancy thought that it was odd that I didn't.....me, the original Pied Piper of Carbon Hill Mennonite Church!
Well, anyway, I wasn't so preoccupied that I didn't think to introduce this lovely lady to my children. "Jonny," I said, "Do you know what I remember about my 6th birthday? I woke up and came downstairs to the dining room and there was this huge all day sucker! All the other children only got regular sized ones." Nancy told us that she had forgotten that but when I mentioned it she remembered. I doubt that I will ever forget, unless I end up with Alzheimer's.
The next day, I thought I'd go up to Logan to Elaine's store and chew the fat awhile. Unfortunately Monday is her day off so I decided to scrap that plan and visit her at her house. She wasn't home. Oh waahhh! But her brother Nolan lived next door. So I went to visit Barb. It so happens that Nolan and Wes Brunk (who happens to be sons of a very special couple, Norman and Clara, now deceased. Norman was our deacon when I was growing up and not a nicer one could you find. Anyway, these 2 Brunk boys married sisters. Barb and Nancy Wray.
Barb graciously invited me in and I sat for awhile having a wonderful chat with her. I have fond memories of sitting beside her in church.....Now let me assure you it WAS a privilege that I took seriously as my parents weren't as easy-going about that as I am.
Barb would let me look up songs for her and shared her song with me. I thought she was the nicest of nice grown-ups. She told me how good it made her feel when I had written something about that on Nolan's Facebook wall. So now we went the full circle. She made me feel good when I was small and I was able to repay that years later, even after she had forgotten that it ever happened.I just want to let everybody know how little acts like that can make a little person's day. Both incidents were trivial but made a huge impact on me. I have loved Barb and Nancy ever since.
There are other incidents, such as my very first trip to Guatemala with Wes and Nancy. Their little girl, Deb, was 19 months old at the time and was the sweetest, cutest toddler. Deb is all grown up now but I have a soft spot in my heart for her and I am sure its because of that memorable trip as I moved away from Ohio soon after and never really stayed home long after that.
I guess the moral of this story is never underestimate your impact on anyone especially a little child. It may make all the difference in the world.
So here's hats off to you two Wray Girls. I love you both dearly.
Wes and Nancy
Nolan and Barb