We’ve just returned from a wedding of my husband’s great
nephew in West Virginia. It was such a sweet wedding—so personal, so much like
the bride and grown, and so very special. It was a long trip for us, but I’m so
glad we did it.
It's been quite a few years since I visited WV. I
remembered the mountainous terrain, but I had forgotten just how high and
steep the mountains were and how curvy the roads were. I was in awe at
the beauty of the landscape with its lush greenery just starting to turn fall
colors, the winding little streams showing themselves when you least expected it,
and the wildlife (We saw at least 30 deer along the roadways and even a black bear cub
crossing the road). I loved all of it, but since I live in the “flatlands” of
the Gulf Coast I cringed as we drove up one mountain and down another. 
Driving through the countryside made me think about how
different yet how similar the people in our United States are. Those who live
in West Virginia and other mountainous regions have learned to live with
mountains and snow and sometimes dangerous driving conditions. They accept
their terrain just as others who live in different parts of our country have learned to accept theirs: hurricanes in the coastal regions, fires
in the west, and horrible traffic conditions in big cities.
We all live differently, but we are so very similar. We have
lives that usually revolve around family. We celebrate births and weddings and
holidays. Our traditions might be slightly different, but the sentiments are
the same. There is something universal that draws us all together no matter
where we live. As writers and readers we enjoy stories that bring these
universal elements to light. Love and fear, anger and joy, births and deaths
are understood by everyone, no matter where we call home.
To the young couple who began their lives together this past
weekend, I’m so glad I got to be part of your union, and to all the families around the world who celebrated other memorable milestones this weekend, I
wish you the best.
