"Memories of the Old Country Church Homecoming Sunday’s”

The little white church had no air conditioning, just the steady hum of old fans and the rhythmic swish of paper fans provided in the pews. As the preacher delivered his heartfelt sermon, I would gaze at the wooden ceiling overhead, daydreaming about a game of Tag and feast that was to come.

Once the final hymn was sung, the congregation spilled out into the yard, where long tables had been set up under the shade of ancient oak trees. Families bustled around, spreading out checkered tablecloths and unloading baskets brimming with homemade dishes. The air was thick with the mouth-watering aroma of fried chicken, the tangy scent of potato salad, and the sweet fragrance of pound cakes. Us children, freed from the confines of the pews, ran wild, playing tag and hide-and-seek among the trees. The laughter rang out across the field, a joyful symphony that blended with the clinking of dishes and the murmur of adult conversation. The ladies of the church, with their bright dresses and wide-brimmed hats, bustled about, arranging the food with loving care. As we darted through the crowd, the kids would often pause to marvel at the sheer abundance before them.The golden-brown chicken, the creamy potato salad flecked with green onions, the rich, buttery slices of pound cake—it was a feast fit for royalty. But more than the food, it was the sense of community that filled me  with a warmth that no summer sun could match.

After a full afternoon of food and fun, our family would leave the church grounds and start the drive home in the early afternoon. Worn out from the day's excitement, I would grow sleepy and drift off on the backseat. As the car gently rumbled along the country roads, I  would fall asleep with a heart full of simple joys, grateful for the bonds forged in those carefree days. 

The moral of the story is that in simpler times, people found deep joy and connection through shared experiences and togetherness. Despite the lack of modern conveniences, the warmth of community and the bonds forged in those moments created lasting, cherished memories.