The Musings of a Simple Country Man
By Hobie Morris
(Brookfield, NY – Oct. 2015) We all have been guilty to some extent at one time or another. This simple country man confesses to being guilty more times than he painfully wishes to remember. What I’m talking about are calls not returned; letters unanswered; subtle appeals appealing for some kind of help unresponded to, etc. My failures are sadly legendary.
Men, I suspect, far more than women, are captives of mindless habits and routines that while not necessarily etched in stone are nevertheless very constraining. I have found over the years that it’s far too easy to say “No—I’m too busy,” etc., etc. But thankfully my beautiful wife Lois is Pit Bulldog tenacious in her love for me and in meeting the needs of others. I am profoundly fortunate that my incomparable Lois sees the Big Picture of life—what’s really important—to which this simple country man is far too often oblivious.
The story that follows is true. I am eternally grateful that with my pin pricked conscience, and lovely Lois’ gentle encouragement, I didn’t wait.
The call came from Virginia—a close Bridgewater friend. A lady unknown to her but a friend of Virginia’s aunt was dying from cancer and wanted to meet Lois and myself. This local lady had read my Musings for many years. Virginia went on to tell us that this very ill lady had a bucket of wishes and we were in it. We felt extremely humbled, blessed and honored. Virginia set up a luncheon date. On the day agreed upon we drove over to Bridgewater. Virginia served a lavish meal and we had a wonderful, long visit with a lady we had never met but would never forget.
Her name was Nancy, and we loved her immediately. She was an amazing woman of incredible faith and courage, with a radiant beauty, both inside and out. We felt so blessed and enriched to be in her presence. I gave her a signed copy of my new book of Musings and she accepted it with tears in her eyes. This was the last time we saw her. God did welcome Nancy Kochan with open arms on Sept. 19.
For once this simple country man didn’t wait! If for some reason you need to connect or reconnect with somebody—or to respond to a desperate appeal for help—do it today. Don’t wait! To do so will undoubtedly be one of the grandest, most fulfilling moments of your life.
Hobie Morris is a Brookfield resident and simple country man.