I can recall from a child up to age 15, three reoccurring events in which I was the happiest: going to church on Sunday, gathering wild fruits on the farm lands and freedom to roam about. I will write about them in three different blogs. Starting with freedom to roam about.

Being the oldest boy by 2 1/2 years, my younger siblings trusted and followed me, when allowed, wherever I went. The HC, TW and JP family lands joined the Homochitto River. We had the freedom to roam on their lands for fishing, hunting and gathering fruits and nuts from trees that grew wild.

Fish was a big part of our diet and fishing was a major recreation for us. We enjoyed spending the day fishing for perch, trout and catfish from the banks of the Homochitto River or from creeks that flowed into it. Frequently we caught hard shell and soft shell turtles. There were times when we cornered bony schooling fish (shad) in shadow water and took them home for dinner.

We sought out the biggest and deepest water holes for swimming after chasing the snakes away. I gave names to animals and insects I did not know, could not spell or pronounce (which may have already been common names). I called the Catalpa worm we fished with during the summer, targa worm, channel catfish, swift water catfish and a snake we saw frequently at a freshwater spring a stinging snake (mud snake). If you are not impressed, my siblings were, lol. Our vices were smoking muscadine vines, and a wild weed we called rabbit weed. All we got from them was a bitter taste in our mouths.

These were the most peaceful times for me. I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior at an early age. I do not remember praying as a child. Often said a scripture when I ate at the dinner table and when I went to bed. I am sure my mother and grandmother were praying for me.

I did have confidence and hope because I was always an achiever.

What is your most peaceful time as a child? Leave a comment, please.