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No matter how far you travel home is still on your mind

The call reached me in North Carolina just after 5:00 PM, bearing the heartbreaking news from Livonia: a child had died, and the mother was in the hospital. The thought of celebrating in Asheville was unimaginable after such news, despite the recent trip to Biltmore.

Reflecting the emotions in Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven, "I realized the need to be strong and carry on. Would you hold my hand? Would you help me stand? Time can be burdensome, bring you to your knees, break your heart, and leave you begging. Yet, I believe that beyond this door, there lies peace."

Now was the time for Livonia to demonstrate its resilience, come together, and unite in response to the tragedy that struck one of our own, a neighbor to everyone. I was certain of this unity when Robb Drzewicki from the city of Livonia issued the note I am now sharing with you:

"Yesterday, Livonia was the victim of tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of the child we lost in the incident.

"As always, our first responders were on the scene doing all they could to avert further tragedy.

"This is a moment that community comes together. 

"The city has already been asked the question that our industry is asked every day, “how can I help?” It’s my hope that we can provide that answer to the public when asked.

"While a legitimate GoFundMe was already started and has already raised a substantial sum for the family, our charitable partners know that some folks want to donate to a registered 501c3.

"The Livonia First Responder Foundation has stepped up to the challenge to make this possible. Please direct all monetary donations to www.lfrfoundation.com

"All donations going into the Foundation over the next two weeks will be directed to support the family affected by this tragic weather incident.

"We would appreciate you spreading the word via social media and any other venues your organization uses, both inside the organization and to your supporters.

"For other donations (food, lodging, etc), please direct questions to rdrzewicki@livonia.gov

Richard Joyner, a 20 year member of the Livonia Library Commission, was born in 1917 amidst the tobacco fields of Farmville, North Carolina, a community that blends small-town allure with big-city sophistication. It is a place of opportunity that respects its heritage while forging ahead into the future.

Old Salem North Carolina is a historic site telling the stories of people, including Moravian, Black, and Indigenous peoples, in the American South. As one of America’s most comprehensive history attractions Old Salem engages visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience.

Touching base with long treasured memories created from travels with mom, dad and Bob. On the road again not to redefine but to feel something again.

Willie Nelson's song, described by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 greatest songs of all time, "On the Road Again," plays continuously in my mind. "Goin' places that I've never been. Seein' things that I may never see again. And I can't wait to get on the road again." These lyrics accompany me as I traverse historic Berea, veer off I-75, and navigate the seldom-traveled backroads of Kentucky, tracing the route once pioneered by Daniel Boone.

Having left the bodyguard in Canton, Georgia for a well-deserved break with her family, I find myself on the road again. Solo. Just the road and me. My first destination is the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, a place I've visited thrice before, yet it never seems enough.

I am left in awe after 6,000 steps and another visit to my favorite North Carolina residence. The house's construction, landscaping, and history are simply breathtaking. The two-mile drive from the gate to the parking lot was filled with an array of bamboo, magnolias, and a diverse collection of trees.

Following the $100 tour of America's largest residence, strolling through gardens crafted by Frederick Law Olmsted—the designer of New York's Central Park—and exploring Asheville, I journeyed to Winston-Salem to visit the Moravian historic village. Established in 1759, this planned community was set out over 500 acres. It has been an active community ever since and remains a repository brimming with history.

Oh, and buying my annual tradition of Mrs. Hanes Moravian cookies. Always get them as family gifts at Christmas, but heck I might as well eat them while driving over to Farmville to visit Mom and Dad.

Dad always said he would be buried in Farmville and Mom as well. After I took Mom to her final resting place Dad said he was mistaken. "If I am buried in our family plot in Farmville no one will ever come to visit me."

Well, Dad, I have not been there often enough but I try to remember that sentiment and on this trip, I will pull up a chair and you, Mom, and I can get caught up. After all, I am on the road again, and one day I will be joining you right next to you, your dad and his dad, and your sister who passed at the age of 3.

After a visit and dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, with new owners, Bonnies, oh and ordering up to-go BBQ at Cobb's it will be off to Charleston for two days.

The last wish will not happen after discovering Cobb's BBQ had permanently closed after 63 years was a disappointment. In the early 1940s, Jack Cobb, while working at A. C. Monk Tobacco Factory in Farmville, ran a small barbecue business on the side. He would cook all night and sell his barbecue to his coworkers at lunch for 65 cents a plate. As Jack's barbecue gained fame, white citizens who wanted to purchase it but wouldn't visit his place prompted Jack to partner with a white friend who sold it on his behalf.

Growing up, no trip to town was complete without a stop at Cobb's, visiting with the Cobb family, and having him share so many stories. My dad would always remind me to pack a cooler with ice to take some of the 'cue back home. On my last visit, I had the chance to see the whole hogs roasting over an open fire out back, and those hush puppies were truly the best I've ever had. The best.

After Farmville, it is off to Charleston. Over the past couple of weeks, Chuck Dardas has been sending me information on all I need to do on my visit. I have all those notes and have my visit planned around those recommendations.

More travels on Monday.

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.

What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.