Life Becomes Increasingly Surreal

"Tobacco Road" was one of my favorite books -- and movies, as well.

I will not ever forget the little girl who was running on the dirt path toward home shouting "We-uns got a letter! We-uns got a letter!" Such a magnificent thing was obviously not a usual occurrence.

These days, of course, with literally everybody and his brother and cousin and, probably, ghost, receiving lists and lists of e-mail, both wanted and wanted, nobody is able to appreciate the actual fact of "getting a letter." We do nevertheless check our mail boxes so as to separate the advertising from the statements so regularly arriving there. But I must say the thrill is gone.

When my sisters are not as diligent as I think they should be and send e-mail to me after even a short hiatus, my usual "Subject" line is "We-uns got a letter!"

With reference to the Darrow quote, I was not taught to doubt; rather, I was taught to question, and then take the inevitable leap of faith. When there were questions, they were usually cleared up right smartly by my father, who knew what faith was and where to get a fix on it. Usually I was easily led to that place.

Thanks for your very interesting post.