The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings to all residents of Hancock and Henderson counties, making things do inspite of major obstacles.
This past week has been a difficult one for everyone involved in the Flood, broken levees, and altered lives.
"You can't keep trouble out of yer' house, but you don't hafta' give it a chair to sit on!" (don't let troubles dominate you).
That is an old saying in which many caught up in these deep waters are now practicing faithfully.
Many a story has come to light of those who lost much, but went on to help others downstream, trying to prevent further losses of others in need.
One old timer told me years ago, in other troubled times, "not to let the seeds spoil your enjoin' the melon,-just spit out the seeds". (shake off your troubles, and get on with it)
Now, that's easy to say when the troubles is someone elses.
Especially when the "toad strangling rain" falls on someone else and you are lucky enough to be a passive observer.
But I knows my neighbors in Western Illinois, and they all "knows that life just ain't all beer and pretzels". (life has its troubles)
Only the person who has never lost a loved one before their natural life was enjoyed; only the person who has never tasted defeat of any sort, whether it be tornado, drought, sickness, the flames of fire or sudden financial set back.
Only the person who has been fortunate enough to not experience loss of any kind-only that person might possibly be unmoved to action at times like these to help those with great needs from the flood.
American and Western Illinois is well known for springing into action in times of need.
There will be many stories coming out of the flood. You can bet the press will pick-up on them and keep us informed.
A few will make us "mad enough to chew splinters". (very angry) and sometimes I wonder "if they ain't just trying to boil our pot" to sell print. I knows a few of them stories myself.
But, what good does it do to dwell on em. Everyone, at one time or another, has made a mistake or wishes they could do an experience over.
I says,' cut them some slack and practice some forgiveness, just as we would hope the same for ourselves.
For the most part, however, I feel our local press is responsible and won't sensationalize the news and make us feel "like we've been sent for a couldn't come" (depressed)
Thus far, I've read and learned of many good stories of folks "tak'n the bit in their own teeth." (taking charge and helping out)
Both young and old has done their share of "helpn' out" and are continuing to do so.
They were there "in a jill-flickey (timely) to pitch in and help out.
They say "th' road to hell is paved with good intentions". (intending to do is not enough-you must do it).
Well, here abouts in this neck of the woods, I'm a thinkn' that road might be a bit lonely for now, as everyone seems to be pitchn' in.
You have already, proven you don't need my encouragement to keep up the good work.
See ya later down in the area of help needed.
May God Bless everyone and draw us closer together as a result of this unfortunate experience.
I'm right proud of all of you neighbors out there!
Catch Ya Later,
Barnyard Bruke