Henryville to Lexington; Distance = 12 Miles; People Met = 16+
Throughout the day the “Seasons of Love” song we heard the night before played in my head, putting an exclamation point on our journey of kindness. New Albany proved to be quite the eventful stay for us. We went to the St. Mark UCC Sunday school and service in the morning; I gave a small talk at both. Afterwards, we said our final goodbyes to Donna and Bill Robinson before driving to Henryville.
The first thing I did in Henryville was enter a restaurant to ask about road conditions ahead. I don’t usually do that, but a back road route on my map seemed to be a better choice than the state road suggested by the ADT guide. When the guide avoids taking a back road there is often a reason and I wanted to find out what that reason was.
As soon as I entered the restaurant I was at a table surrounded by people who were there for lunch after attending the Henryville United Methodist Church service across the street. One of them included Pastor Wilma Bone. They poured over my map and, to the best of their knowledge, gave a “thumbs up” to the back road route. Then Pastor Wilma held a prayer circle with us and took up a collection on our behalf. Like I said, we just went in for directions!
Mary, Adam, Mark, Nola, Pastor Wilma and Duane
At the end of the day Ky brought us to the home of a connection she had made in Lanesville. We were greeted heartily by the Munk family. Jay built both the home they lived in and the home next door for his widowed sister. As he said they were all just one happy family.
Indeed, this was the most heartwarming family experience of the trip. Jay and Fran have three of their own children, the two oldest boys Cody and Cory, in addition to their youngest Cady. Jay and Fran absolutely gushed with pride over their special needs daughter, who exhibited a touching confidence in herself. Louisville media did a story on her as a competitor on the swim team, undaunted despite always finishing last.
Jay, Ky, Fran, Cady and Cindy
The family extended beyond their own children. They took care of one of their nephews’ daughter as if she was their own. The evening we were there they celebrated her birthday, I think she turned 12 but I’m not sure. They also celebrated the birthday of Rich, an African American who came over to visit. Rich plays football for the University of Kentucky and calls Jay “Pops” as an endearment for all Jay has done for him. Yes, folks, the parallels to “The Blind Side” as a kind and heartwarming family could not be more obvious.
Then to top everything off, my favorite football team won the Super Bowl that evening!
Other Photos
A freedom church behind a chain link fence
Did the trailer or the house come first?
To Aunt Fran, Uncle Jay, Cady, Cory, Cory and everyone else thank-you everything I love you all. I am so lucky to have you in my life. Aunt Franie and Uncle Jay you are like my second mom and dad.
I Love You All.
Your forever and alway,
Trystian Taylor