A powerful portrait of a man who mows, and a man who knows who he is and what he’s about. Those who get a gift of time with Chub are enriched by being in his presence. Thanks for the story, Elizabeth.
Yes, Gary, enriched is right! It takes a little slowing down, which is something I have to work on. Nice to have wiling teachers. Grateful for the comment.
What a great story about a wonderful man. Inspiring. I’m thinking this will certainly help his business, though it doesn’t sound like he needs help. We’ll be stopping there.
If this piece helped bump up his business enough that he could afford to buy that trailer (not that I'd ever know!) I think that would be amazing. Thanks for reading, Suzanne. 😊
I missed the fields of gladiolus when the farm stopped growing them. And I wondered why the old schoolhouse had a nice newish roof but needed paint and loving restoration. So nice to read about and see Mr Chub.They sure don't have BBQ like that in Ohio!
Those flowers were something, weren't they? And being able to walk into that cooler anytime, for a self service selection - unbeatable! I'm not so sure what's happening with the schoolhouse. I suppose the new roof was a stop gap for further decline, but the rest of the building sure could use some love. Be sure to put Chub on your list of stops when/if you get back this way, Susan. And thank you for your comment.
I have Maynard relatives on Chesapeake Bay near California. They hosted a family reunion two years ago, and it was too much fun to be the last. So there could be a food truck meeting in our future.
That would be a riot! California is still roughly 2 hours from me, so you'd have to have a strong yearning for either barbecue or a meet up with an "invisible friend."
Chub will always be the kind of person the world needs - the ones we don't hear about enough. Stories about folk like these are the best kind because they gives us back our faith in human nature.
He has certainly taught me a thing or two, Prue, mostly about what kindness looks like in real life. It doesn't require much. Just a sincere heart. Thanks so much for your comment. How're you feeling??
This is such a lovely and lovingly-written portrait. It's all the small, telling details you've included. A master-class in showing rather than telling. I read it quickly the other day, and just again now, more slowly. I love love love "church is in your heart." I see both his and yours in this piece.
This is a lovely and generous comment, Rita. Thank you for reading a second time and for appreciating all the little bits that make Chub worth knowing. 🧡
Thanks, Rob. Something of a goal, for me, or maybe something of a dream, to make them more visible. Lots of folks looking for heroes, but I think they might be looking in the wrong places.
Your beautiful story gives clear meaning to the Gospels' term for believers ..as "salt of the earth.."
What a beautiful person..... Certainly shows that happiness does live within.... Great story.
Thanks, Barry, and I totally agree. They come better than Chub. I'm sure you've met quite a few like him in your lifetime. :)
Loved hearing about Chub and his history! We stop by for BBQ now and then and he exudes goodness, oh, and great BBQ:)
And now, when you stop by, you'll have even more to talk about! 😊 Thanks for reading, Deborah, and for seeing (and tasting) that goodness.
Love learning about Luther, thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Mary. I'm fortunate to have had people like Luther in my life. Also Chub...and you! Appreciate you being here.
A powerful portrait of a man who mows, and a man who knows who he is and what he’s about. Those who get a gift of time with Chub are enriched by being in his presence. Thanks for the story, Elizabeth.
Yes, Gary, enriched is right! It takes a little slowing down, which is something I have to work on. Nice to have wiling teachers. Grateful for the comment.
What a great story about a wonderful man. Inspiring. I’m thinking this will certainly help his business, though it doesn’t sound like he needs help. We’ll be stopping there.
If this piece helped bump up his business enough that he could afford to buy that trailer (not that I'd ever know!) I think that would be amazing. Thanks for reading, Suzanne. 😊
I missed the fields of gladiolus when the farm stopped growing them. And I wondered why the old schoolhouse had a nice newish roof but needed paint and loving restoration. So nice to read about and see Mr Chub.They sure don't have BBQ like that in Ohio!
Those flowers were something, weren't they? And being able to walk into that cooler anytime, for a self service selection - unbeatable! I'm not so sure what's happening with the schoolhouse. I suppose the new roof was a stop gap for further decline, but the rest of the building sure could use some love. Be sure to put Chub on your list of stops when/if you get back this way, Susan. And thank you for your comment.
Wish I could taste his BBQ. This tangy story was the next best thing.
If you do ever find yourself on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, please let me know! Thanks for reading, Rona. :)
I have Maynard relatives on Chesapeake Bay near California. They hosted a family reunion two years ago, and it was too much fun to be the last. So there could be a food truck meeting in our future.
That would be a riot! California is still roughly 2 hours from me, so you'd have to have a strong yearning for either barbecue or a meet up with an "invisible friend."
A wonderful story, beautifully told!
Thanks, Erica. He's a good guy to know.
A beautiful profile and portrait, Elizabeth.
I'm happy to have learned more about him in writing this piece, Amy. So many folks we "know without knowing." Appreciate you being here, as always.
A lovely man with depth to his soul.
Chub will always be the kind of person the world needs - the ones we don't hear about enough. Stories about folk like these are the best kind because they gives us back our faith in human nature.
He has certainly taught me a thing or two, Prue, mostly about what kindness looks like in real life. It doesn't require much. Just a sincere heart. Thanks so much for your comment. How're you feeling??
Light at the end of the tunnel... XXXX
🌅
This is just exactly the story my heart needed this morning. As always, thank you.
Thank you, Roe. (Gah, I sure do miss seeing you!) I hope somehow this story will give back to Chub some of the goodness he brings to the world. 🧡
Agreed! and I miss you so very much and feel incredibly grateful for your essays.
Oh, Elizabeth. Such a beautiful post. Thank you for this stunning treat of a read. ❤️❤️❤️
I'm grateful you read and enjoyed it, Rebecca. May we all find hope it folks like Chub.
This is such a lovely and lovingly-written portrait. It's all the small, telling details you've included. A master-class in showing rather than telling. I read it quickly the other day, and just again now, more slowly. I love love love "church is in your heart." I see both his and yours in this piece.
This is a lovely and generous comment, Rita. Thank you for reading a second time and for appreciating all the little bits that make Chub worth knowing. 🧡
Beautiful. If only there were more people like Chub. Actually I’m sure there are many, but like him, they remain invisible to the rest of us.
Thanks, Rob. Something of a goal, for me, or maybe something of a dream, to make them more visible. Lots of folks looking for heroes, but I think they might be looking in the wrong places.
You were right. The barbeque was well worth talking about. I’ve know a couple men like Chub. They are rare.
You're probably right that they are rare, Corey. But I'm holding out hope that there are more out there than we realize. Thanks for the comment!