Heaven was by the door

Today a friend left some love by our front door.

I knew the bag was going to be there.

I was excited to open it and get my hands on the contents.

I expected to feel the love of my friend as I washed the beauties.

I expected to smile as I popped the first tomato in my mouth.

I did not expect to get a lump in my throat.

I did not expect to feel the tears roll down my cheeks as the juice exploded in my mouth.

And just like that, a Sweet 100 made me feel 10 again.

And made me long for my grandparents.

For late nights of watching Gunsmoke and snapping beans.

Wishing I could wear my Grandpoppy's long sleeve shirt - like I did while cutting the okra.

Longing for the stomach ache because of eating so much garden fresh raw cabbage.

Wishing I could hear my Grandmommy hum Beulah Land while she shucked the corn.

I am thankful that I was lucky enough to come from such an honest, hardworking, family that taught me about the fruit of my labor.

And I am thankful that I have dear friends that share their love with me and help me to feel like a kid again and keep me from forgetting the places I came from and the ones that I love the most.