I have this canoe that is tied to my imagination and docked to my memory bank. This book is simply a ride down the rivers of my memories. I grew up in the mountains of western NC under the shadow of Mount Pisgah. The mountain way of life during the 40's and 50's is worth writing about and preserving for future references. It is my story, seen and experienced through the eyes of a young boy. And for me the canoe rides are real, for the places and folk it takes me to are real. The river of my memories is deep and wide, for there are 70 plus years of storage. The traditions, the way of life in the 40's and 50's, Mountaineer spirit and humor are worth talking and writing about. There is nothing really spectacular about what I have to say, but I do hope the stories of growing up in a time that has almost slipped away help you take your own ride down your river of memories. The good times have left me upbeat and positive and extremely happy to have lived in those years. The tragedies have left me raw and exposed and extremely emotional. I truly hope these stories bring some smiles and joy to you. And I really hope you just relax, hop in my old canoe and take a river ride with me. Part of life that comes too sudden is the 'last time'. The last time you see a friend. The last time you talk to your folks. The last time you hugged a family member. One part of writing these stories is remembering the last time I had with some of my people. That is why tears have been shed while trying to write this memoir. I wish I had asked more questions. I wish I had had hugged a bit harder, and loved a lot sweeter. So as for me, I have tried to show in words just how much those folk, growing up in that time, and my Faith have meant to me. Be a blessing because you are blessed.