Tossing Glitter… On A Country Road… Midwestern Magic…

Photo by Amber Ball

But I can hear a heavenly band full of angels and they’re coming to set me free.

I don’t know nothing ’bout the why or when but I can tell that it’s bound to be,

because I could feel it, child, yeah, on a country road…

-James Taylor

Many years have passed since those summer days in the country.

Remembering my cousin Sandra makes me think of summer & blue skies and the breeze blowing through the fields. The Oakland City fairgrounds were filled with children, and our family reunion picnics and gatherings brought all the relatives from far and wide.

Sandra and Earl were a great couple. He was animated & light hearted; contrasting perfectly against her dry, deadpan wit. And through their banter, as she prepared food, Earl would rest his head on her shoulder.

I loved their wedding portrait that Mom kept in our family album. Earl’s thick black hair was set off by the bright white of his tux. Sandra was stunning in white lace, with shock of red hair and tiny waist. They were a glamorous couple. Sometimes, when we’re kids, it’s hard to imagine our adult relatives being so young and fresh. Beaming with excitement and discovery. Starting out on their journey together, wearing satin and lace at their country wedding.

Earl left us a few years ago and we lost Sandra sometime after. She passed with courage & grace. Something we all hope for. And I think of them as a couple together, Earl’s head on her shoulder, her smile when he would enter a room, and today I know Sandra & Earl are together. Their journey continues…