…There are places I remember 
All my life though some have changed 
Some forever not for better 
Some have gone and some remain 
All these places have their moments 
With lovers and friends I still can recall 
Some are dead and some are living 
In my life I’ve loved them all…
~ lyrics from:
In My Life: The Beatles
On an overcast silver-gray morning with sprinkles of rain, snippets of this Beatles song resonate through my mind: there are places I remember….and I find myself thinking of the young man who was recently murdered here. Only 23, that young man ate at my table many times while he was growing up; he had a soft spot for my biscuits. I have to smile when I remember he and his younger brother didn’t appreciate the steamed asparagus so much; the vegetables weren’t as big as a hit as those biscuits. You see, those years ago, he’d lost his mother— and it just seemed to me that sometimes love manifests in different ways, biscuits included. Without fail, you’d better believe I made sure there were always hot biscuits just for him.
When you watch someone grow up, they’re special in your heart, no matter where they may go, what they may do. They’re a part of the tapestry of life, and as a mother of a young man the very same age, such a loss takes a toll on the heart. Young men are supposed to live a long, happy life; we want them to make it past those oft-turbulent young man years, to get grounded, to find their way—we’re rooting for them, sometimes fussing at them;  wanting them to take the wheel, to succeed. We’re looking forward to watching them have children on their own, to have a chance to grow into their own, to have grandchildren some day far down the road. We’re the people in a small close-knit town; where the principal at the school knows our kids, the shop owners know them, we know them. We watch them grow up. I’ve always said part of the  charm of small town life includes knowing the kids, dogs, cars and what your neighbors are having for dinner before they know.
It seems like there have been too many losses in the last few months in this town. Yet, we gather together, appreciate each other a little bit more, and understand that life goes on. There are still hugs to be had on Main Street, and those we love will come and go in our lives. There are places to be remembered. And today, I’m remembering a young man, who was a recent young father that won’t see his baby grow up. A young man that I had great hopes for, and just hugged recently. He never failed to give those hugs—and I think he always remembered those biscuits. I will keep that hug in my memory, along with the quiet smile and sparkle in his eyes, and go out on this gray day to find sunlight in daffodils. Just for him.
Garden notes: Be sure to sign up for your very own garden plot at Robinson Community Gardens at Henderson Street, and grow veggies and other goodies to enjoy all summer long. You’ll need to attend required garden meetings on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 6:30 p.m. or Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 6:30 p.m. at the Saluda Library. The March 13 meeting will be followed by an optional covered dish supper. For more information, email Carolyn Ashburn at carolyn@skyrunner.net or call Marilyn Prudhomme at 828-749-9172. Sponsored by Saluda Community Land Trust.
Saluda Elementary School news: PTSO is selling value cards as a fundraiser: and the cards support local businesses. PTSO funds are used to provide each student at Saluda Elementary School with 5 free books each year. The PTSO also sponsors an annual Read-A-Thon and other student-related activities, such as clogging and the 5th grade trip to Charleston, SC. You can purchase your value card at the school office, city hall or Green River BBQ.  On March 27, the Principals and coordinators from A+ Schools in the western portion of North Carolina will attend an A+ Retreat at our school.
Happy March Birthday to: Faye Chandler, Genell Jespersen, Charlene Pace, Valerie Mintz, Sheldon Mintz, Curtis Pace, Anita Odgen Moore, Lloyd Thompson, Charles Weinhagen, Ron Poole, Kevin Kerr, Catherine Ross and Jane Fox. Please add your birthday to the list!
As ever, thank you, dear readers in Bulletin land for reading this column!
I enjoy greatly hearing from you; your comments are deeply appreciated. The goal is to make you feel like you’re enjoying a front porch visit with me.
Keep in mind if you have something of note, feel free to e-mail me at bbardos@gmail.com; or call me at 749-1153.  You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com