Barefoot at the Country Store by Melissa Henderson

Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas.” Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. She and her husband, Alan, moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near her son, daughter-in-law and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com

Barefoot at the Country Store By Melissa Henderson

My parents taught me many valuable lessons when I was a young child. Their guidance and wisdom helped me along the path of life. When I stumbled, Mama and Daddy were there to discipline and encourage.

One of my favorite times as a young girl was the beginning of Spring. Behind the garage and beside the chain-link fence dividing our property from the neighbor, Daddy would till the soil to prepare for planting. Daddy enjoyed growing vegetables. Mama enjoyed growing flowers. With the rich soil tilled and ready for planting, Daddy and I rode in the Oldsmobile and headed to the local country store. We would purchase items needed to prepare for a healthy and fruitful garden.

I often went shoeless in the spring and summer. No flipflops, no sandals, no tennis shoes. Just bare feet that required a hard scrubbing during the nighttime bath to get the dirt off.

As Daddy drove to the country store I looked out of the car window for certain landmarks on our trip. The gas station, a local department store, a chain grocery store, the bowling alley, and a neighborhood full of houses and people. We usually found a parking place in front of the old-time country store. Daddy parked, and I patiently waited to hop out of the car and begin the search for seeds.

As I stepped inside the market, my toes squished the dirt. A good feeling for a young girl who loved the outdoors. I knew I would need a long bath that night. Squish once, squish twice, and squish a third time for fun.

The aroma of a dirt floor, fresh peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, and much more gave me a feeling of comfort as we entered the outdoor country store. Scales swaying in the breeze hung from the ceiling so people could weigh produce before heading for the checkout line. Small white signs outlined in black listed prices over each item. Pickle relish, raspberry jam, pepper vinegar, and more were displayed in mason jars atop wooden crates.

Daddy showed me which items were the best for planting and having a bountiful harvest. He gathered seeds and other supplies. Placing fresh red and green tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, potatoes, and peaches in the basket to purchase, we found our spot in the checkout line.

Returning home, we showed Mama all the items we had purchased. I would go to the flower store with her later. I would have to wear shoes at that store.

Behind the garage and beside the fence, I knelt with my Daddy as he showed me how to poke a hole in the dirt with my pointer finger and gently place a seed in the hole and then cover with soil. A slow process that taught patience.

A week later, after watering our garden and waiting for any sign of growth, a few sprouts popped out of the soil. Hooray! We were growing vegetables. Soon we would have carrots, radishes, butter beans, potatoes, and more.

Many weeks later, our family could take a basket to the garden and enjoy the harvest of the planting. Homegrown vegetables taste delicious!

While we enjoyed the harvest of vegetables, I also couldn’t wait to go back and enjoy being “barefoot at the country store.”

Even today, the feel of the earth between my toes brings special harvest memories.

Have a blessed Autumn! - Melissa Henderson