Almost Heaven

(Via The Countertop Chronicles)

Peggy Noonan, speech writer for Presidents, has happened across the state of West Virginia during her summer travels. As with most newcomers, she’s entranced.

As the son of a pair of West Virginia refugees, I can understand. I spent my summers (until I was 16 and went to work) in God’s Country, and the best summer of my life was one of those summers. My Dad, at 81, who has lived in North Carolina over 30 years, still thinks of West Virginia as “home”. There is something about the place….

I still get to go back occasionally, but far too occasionally, and see what remains of the family. They still live in the small towns that are the heart and soul of the state. They’ll live out their lives there, and contently be buried there–at home.

There’s a lot to be said for that attitude.

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