Right now I’m getting questioned rather aggressively by my friends about this decision to move South into a relatively small town, where I’ve never lived. And I must admit for awhile it’s been one of those nagging little questions; at least up until tonight.
I’m sitting in a restaurant, eating my dinner by myself (of course) and I’m watching those around me when I notice a family with four teenage boys come in. The father pulls out the chair for his wife, seats her, then proceeds around the table, collecting the ball caps off his son’s heads, sits down and explains to them gently that they will always remove their hats indoors, particularly in the presence of their mother. Is there any other explanation necessary? The same Old Southern Manners that my own father drilled into my head through my back end and it finally stuck, to the point that when I’m out on business I am often complimented for doing what my dad insisted upon. I raised my kids that way and despite their obvious unhappiness with me, they and I still get compliments on how well mannered they are. Thank you Lord, if I got nothing else in my life right, at least I’ve helped spread the message and produced two well mannered people.
So, I had the manager let me pick up the check for that family without their ever knowing it, and left knowing that a good deed must be rewarded. It was worth every cent and for those moments of tearful pride and appreciation of seeing another dad do the right thing. So, if you want to really find the value in life, just sit back quietly and watch. Every once in awhile your patience will be rewarded beyond your greatest expectations.
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read more blogs!
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whatagal
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May 5 @ 10:25PM
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Great way to pay it forward! 
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GenuineHarleyGirl
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May 5 @ 10:31PM
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Random acts of kindness...that family will be talking about for a long time to come..and doesn't your heart and soul just feel so much better for it?..Wish I had a kudo..if those things matter to ya at all..but I thought this was just wonderful... ..You have a good heart ..You touched me with your kindness..I still believe ..there are many good people out there..try to see the good in everyone..and you just confirmed that ...
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LoveME10der2005
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May 5 @ 10:35PM
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I think I will move south!! 
Thanks for sharing such a sweet story...
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Kentuck
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May 5 @ 10:35PM
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Injuneer:
We must have some of the same blood. We are both Engineers, travel for work and yes from time to time I do pick up the bill for a family. Not too many people know what is like to be alone in a small town where you eat alone and consider the Gods as being good to you when some speaks. Kids always get my attention and some how conversation starts with the family. I just tell the waitress to tell them that the meal is on the house.
But moving south to a small town where you have never lived is a little scary. However, I visit a small town wome place in the world at least one time a month and there I watch TV alone, eat alone and sight see alone. So being in a small town is not so bad. I moved to this town 10 years and 3 months ago. I still do not have the type or class friends I am use to or that I associate with in larger cities. You deal with work people all day and you want some separation in the evening.
So, you have to look at what you enjoy best and go for it.
I will be retiring this fall and moving to south Central Kentucky in a relative small town. It will offer me 3 things: a lake that has over 1000 miles of shore line and fishing, Warm weather (no more -20 deg F and 3 feet of snow), and where people are more friendlier and polite. So, look for what you need most.
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IrisRain
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May 5 @ 10:38PM
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Ya done good....!
See, livin on 1-24 will be wonderful! It's full of good people....when I first moved here I smiled because all was good and it felt like home!
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redtigr
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May 5 @ 10:47PM
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What a cool and admirable thing to do.!!
And hey....
If you move near to my little town, I might finally have someone to talk to !!
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bardnsage
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May 5 @ 11:43PM
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No place can be as warm, or as cold as a small southern town. Take the time to head down to the local volunteer fire department, the VFW, or something. Find some folks who don't mind talking,,,,,,then you can find some good folks to hang out with.
And a great tip for traveling,,,,,get on the email list of about 6 or 7 churches in areas you frequent. Have them email the calander. You would be shocked at just how many have pot luck dinners, low pay meals, or other social functions even during the week. Sounds trite, but southern fried chicken was not invented by an old man from Kentucky, it was invented by the ladies at the church!!!
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JimNastics
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May 6 @ 12:01AM
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Nice
You got my kudo, but then I generally find true value in your blogs and in you.
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Kentuck
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May 6 @ 12:07AM
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but southern fried chicken was not invented by an old man from Kentucky, it was invented by the ladies at the church!!!
You can say that again, It is too bad that the art of good cooking is dying off. However, the original KFC is still serving chicken at it's original spot on US 25 East, just off I-75 in Corbin, Kentucky
Y'all come on down and set a while and have some good fried chicken and enjoy the area: Cumberland Falls, Chain Rock, Cumberland Gap, Kentucky Horse Farm,
Cumberland Lake, Renfro Valley, and many other spots.
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jelltex
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May 6 @ 8:17AM
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Good blog and well done on the good deed.
Oh, and congratulations with the new job. Needless to say, hope it goes well.
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imlost2
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May 6 @ 10:53AM
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I moved to this small town four years ago, it's so small we don't even have a stop light lol. But the people are warm, the schools actually pay attention to your kids, and you actually meet your neighbors. It's hard to meet people however in this town because there isn't much of a social life. Still I don't plan on ever leaving, it's beautiful in the Smokies and I can't ask for anything more.
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