Ravinell Kirby believed in God and was a staunch believer in the teachings of the Church of Christ.  She believed that only a few make it to heaven because it is so difficult.  She did not believe that we could intentionally do wrong and then ask for and receive forgiveness.  Not so long ago, after she had lost her ability to speak, I said to her, “I plan on going to heaven.”  She laughed and said, “Everybody wants to go to heaven.”  That was probably her last whole sentence.

I really hate to see this generation go.  In a way, they were pioneers.  Mother remembered when horse and buggy was the mode of transportation.  She recalled not having electricity and said that her sisters accused her of not “burning the midnight oil to do homework.” She and Daddy would tell you that they lived a “hard life.”  And they did not always have the modern conveniences that we surround ourselves with today to make “life easier.”  I don’t know about you but I think that I would trade the modern conveniences for less of the stress that we endure.  They lived simply within their means with the highest of morals and ethics.  Mother used to say, “If I owe someone and instead of paying them, I buy things that are unnecessary, I am really spending their money.” They believed in God and loved their country.  Character was far more important than material possessions.  Wouldn’t it be nice to turn the pendulum back? 

Sheila Kirby Barfield