Grapevine by Rosalyn Queen
As I read the paper this morning I saw many ads tied to the election and I had a little weak spot in my heart. First off I want to assure you that I am not making this column a political football because my readers mean so much to me but I felt I would be remiss if I didn’t make a few personal remarks about my son in law, Dixon Pruitt.
I first met him when he started dating my daughter, Leslie. With her being a Court Reporter and Dixon being a police officer I guess it was inevitable that their paths would cross and cross they did and ending up in a lifetime commitment.
I often think that I should feel sorry for anyone joining our family. We are a very family oriented bunch. There are customs that we just do not give up on and we expect everyone to be a part of them. So we put Dixon to the test and he passed with flying colors.
First he loves to have family dinners at their home. Leslie does the cooking but Dixon does the set up, sometimes for 24 people. He likes to interact with everyone and no one enters his home who is not greeted and treated warmly.
Several years ago during one of my transitions I moved in with Les and Dixon. I thought I might be a part of that mother in law syndrome, but it did not happen. I remember warmly waking in the middle of the night to enjoy a sweet snack with Dixon and to him making my first cup of coffee in the morning. I was with him when they lost two of their dogs. His grief was that of a good person enduring a loss.
He is one of those few gentlemen left who opens doors for a lady. Whether a car or the house he was there. I came to expect it from all men,
They decided they were going to hike the Appalachian Trail. And I was included in the trip. Now it never was intended that I was going to hike. We went to Charles Town and stayed at a very nice hotel. During the day. While they were hiking, I relaxed, read and visited the Casino. When they got home Dixon made sure that I got to visit all the tourist attractions in the area. Never once did Dixon make me feel like I was the fifth wheel.
You know in Italian families there is this saying about Italian mothers and their sons. We love our daughters but those boys hold a special place in our hearts. Let me tell you that Dixon has joined that rank with my sons.
You know all those educational and work accomplishments do not mean much if you are not a kind, loving, thoughtful person. This is what we need more of in our world today and Dixon Pruitt is that.His service to his mother in law reinforces this to our community.
Thank you for allowing me to share a few kind thoughts.
By the way do not forget to vote. It is a civic duty that you should take advantage off. Be a good citizen.
Another little family footnote, Jenna Robey is my niece. Look into her background. We really need a woman up there in that position.
Well planting has started at our house and I have a few seeds in pots and some plants in my flower boxes. I am taking it slow to make sure we are done with cold nights. My pansies are so beautiful with their tiny faces greeting me every morning.
As Lester Holt would say, “Take care of yourself and each other,” and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”