Very early this past Friday morning our next door neighbor, Glen "Junior" Swift was killed in a motor vehicle accident while on his way to deliver produce at a wholesale market in Tampa. We don't know the details except that the thick fog may have attributed (it was the day after that 70 car pileup on I-4).
He farmed turnips (yankee potatoes, he called them) in the winter and peanuts in the summer.
We dearly loved him, simple as that. A kind, generous person with a devilish ornery streak made for a great friendship. Originally from Kentucky, Junior moved to Ocala in 1973. He related wonderful stories of who was who and what they did and how they ended up. If we mentioned that we needed or wanted something, he loved to reply "...let me make a phone call". My political views are liberal, and he loved to kid me about the dems and Hillary.
Now I glance at the kitchen table forlornly knowing that these precious conversations have come to an end. It's an uncomfortable feeling - this not wanting to let go. Funny what depression will do when it gets a toe hold.
Just last Thursday I leaned against his pickup, getting caught up on the details of his busy harvesting and he in turn inquired about the painting I'm working on.
Life does a one-eighty at any moment. We're never ready.
Art of Horse Racing - Sharon Crute shares a passion for art and horse racing.
5 comments:
I'm so sorry for your loss. Things like this come out of left field and really make us think about life and our short stay here on this planet.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Things like this come out of left field and really make us think about life and our short stay here on this planet.
Thanks Lynne. It causes me to consider getting out of the studio and onto the river in my canoe more often.
If you haven't had a chance to share your post with the family, I hope you will. It's a beautiful tribute.
Thanks Nancy. The memorial service was this morning and it was cool...just what he would have wanted. No sadness, just love. The place was standing room only - a testament to all who loved him.
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