This post has been in my drafts for 2 weeks but I thought you might enjoy my friend Susan’s house pics, late or not.
It was a rough week for our family. One of my very favorite uncles in the whole world passed away and my other favorite uncle is being treated for lung cancer. I don’t believe I’ve ever known two finer men. Both true Southern gentlemen, both smart and successful business men and both committed family men. I am heartbroken for my cousins and my aunt and all we could think to offer was our presence—which as it turns out, is almost always the best gift. Life seems difficult at every turn and there is always a cross to bear.
So my mom, sister, and my brother and my little girls and I hopped in the car and made a quick road trip to Birmingham.
The visit was so therapeutic for us all. Even my poor brother survived two days in the car with all us girls.
The visit with Uncle Troy and Aunt Rosie was so special. I’m so glad we went.
These two uncles have been so influential in my life and my brother wrote this about them as a comfort to my cousin:
“I too am sorry for the passing of a great, great man. he was indeed all those things you said he was and more. On our visit this weekend to Aunt Rosie’s and Uncle Troys, we were reminded once again of the kind of men these guys were and are. Jack and Troy are two of the finest men I have ever known, the epitome of true “southern gentlemen”. I feel the same as you, in that if I can be half the men that they always have been, I will have been a success.”
My dear friends Johnny and Susan live in Birmingham and have a farm house that they so graciously opened to us. We were so blessed by their hospitality and couldn’t have eaten all the food in the fridge if we’d stayed two weeks. Their farm was absolutely beautiful with every touch and convenience of home. And every possible bow/gun/camo jacket known to man.
My favorite of Susan’s tchotchkes was this priceless little number which played ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ when you pressed the button. Which we pressed over and over and over and over. The hunters’ heads bobble to the music too. I know, you’re jealous. You should be.
I loved everything about how she decorated the place but this custom piece of art was so cool. There are meaningful words and names from their lives that are randomly placed on this canvas. “Johnson City” is on there which is where Susan and I raised our oldest children together. She taught me so much about mothering and Jesus and Southern charm. She and Johnny are one of a kind and probably two of my favorite people on earth.
I love the antler lamps and light fixture.
And all the bedrooms were perfectly outfitted with exactly what you need when you’re staying overnight somewhere—-comfortable beds, warm blankets, chargers for all your electronics and beauty everywhere you turn.
Another guest room…..
But the thing that took my breath away was the carolina jasmine. Oh my heavens, I’ve got to plant some this spring. Isn’t it todiefor?
There’s something so beautiful about Susan, that even from a long distance friendship, she can still inspire and nurture the best parts of others. I’ve learned more from her about being a mom, wife, friend, and believer than anyone else I’ve ever met. I’m so thankful for her and Johnny. I’m only sad that I didn’t stay at their house and stay up til 3 in the morning talking and laughing and crying. I miss them everyday.
Then like all road trips, it went downhill on the way home.
We sang old school country music for far too long. My girls may never be the same. There was a lot of eye rolling.
I love my family so much and am thankful that even as adults, they’re the best road-trip buddies ever.
Happy Weekend!
Awesome post – roadtrips with family are the best – sad time but good family memories. Have a blessed weekend.
I love the warmth of the home and the obvious love expressed.
Hard times and loss are good reminders of why God created families. We truly need each other. Somebody is praying for you
(((hugs)))
When my grandmother passed away the wonderful trip south to bury her, next to my grandad, was a happy trip. We went in three cars and laughed and cried many miles. The road trip helped us heal. Precious memories was sung (off key) for miles and then we had a problem with the car that was”redneck repaired” …Yep family is a gift
So glad you got to visit my beautiful Sweet Home Alabama! My son lives in Birmingham and we are in Montgomery. My Carolina Jasmine hasn’t started blooming yet but when it does the scent is heavenly. So happy you were able to visit with your family even during this sad time.
love her home and your sweet relationship with her.
those girlies may have rolled their eyes but they’ll look back with the sweetest memories one day and be so thankful for all that country music and close family that they grew up with!!!
Edie,
So sorry about your loss 🙁 and will say prayers for your uncle with cancer. I’m so glad you had the roadtrip to reminisce and share memories with your family.
Your friends house is phenomenal – you are right – such inspiration!
I just had to log on because I am glued to the tv watching the weather here in JC and heard Bean Station mentioned. I thought of you and yours. I hope you all are hunkered down in your beautiful basement and staying safe. Thinking of you.
Sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful and fun home. Distance can not hamper true friendship, but it is so nice to spend a few minutes in the presence of those true friends for awhile… It is like the ultimate warm hug!
What a fun post…although I offer my condolences on the loss of your uncle and offer prayers for the other! Anyway, thank you for sharing your friends incredible home. I love seeing glimpses into the lives of others. She has incredible style.
Prayers too for those affected by tornadoes in your part of the country. We live less than 150 miles from Joplin in “tornado alley”, but it seems the middle southern states have also become a bulls eye of sorts. We have friends in the Huntsville area who experienced roof damage yesterday…and the high school literally next door to their subdivision…is gone.
Edie,
Blog love from a long-time stalker! Thank you for your beautiful words and encouragement to this mama of two little ones (3 and 1). Your two littlest remind me of my girls (one blond and one brunette). We live in the ‘ham as well, so thanks for the jasmine inspiration!
Blessings,
Lauren
What a beatufil home and a sweet sweet connection that you share. Road trips (especially with/for family) are some of the best times…and sometimes the most bitter sweet. Make memories and enjoy them!
Nope not one bit jealous of that jammin jeep !!! We have the same one. It was a gift to my husband. It sits on our garage shelf and the neighbor kids can’t keep their paws off of it !!! Always makes me smile !
So sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like you had a wonderful time with your family. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes something sad to bring family together. It is bittersweet.
Hugs
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You said the magic words – Johnson City – we lived there for a few years and that was my forever earth home. I still have withdrawal for my house there. Home is always with us in our hearts, but I sure do miss my Johnson City House. Next to my beloved Kentucky, Johnson City, Tennessee is my favorite place we’ve ever lived and believe you me we have moved lots!
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our neighborhood. Your website provided us with valuable information to paintings on. You’ve performed an impressive occupation and our whole group will probably be grateful for you.
Just found this and really like it,especially the custom art piece. Please tell us more about it. I would love one with all our addresses over the last 50 years…the first one was Happy Hollow Road in Doraville Ga. Wasn’t that a great place to start a long marriage?!
Road trips are a special kind of travel. Recently, I’ve become very interested in them and have been traveling around the United States a lot by car. It’s also important for me to choose a good car for the trip. Before my first trip, I got acquainted with 14CARS.com. There I rented a car at the Cincinnati airport from Hertz and now I use their services all the time
I love the Travel Time set! What a cool idea! I know my boys would love this! Taxi in Chertsey