Homestead.
In May of 1960, I was completing Mrs. Kiick’s First Grade Class at Chapel Hill School. My sister, Patricia, was a year old. My great grandmother, Dora Mabey had passed away, a year ago. Great Grandma Mabey was our link to the past, to another time, another era. She was born on the fourteenth of October in 1873, less than 10 years after General Lee met General Grant at Appomattox Court House. Great Grandma Mabey went Home to be with the Lord in May of 1959, at the age of 85.
In November of 1959, Mom and Dad, and my sister Patti and I moved into the old Mabey Homestead. My father was very close to his grandmother. I was only five years old at the time, but we would often visit Great Grandma Mabey at the old Mabey Homestead. We lived in Clifton at the time. My great grandmother would be sitting in her rocking chair. She would tell my father, with great conviction, that Dad was destined to guide boys become strong and moral men. This was only a few months before Great Grandma Mabey passed away.
her rocking chair, at the old Mabey Homestead.
Fast forward to September of 1964. I first joined Boy Scout Troop 170, of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Lincoln Park, a few days after turning 11. By October of 1964, Dad signed up to become the newest Committeeman of the troop. Then, in September of 1966, Dad was chosen unanimously by the Troop Committee, to become the new Scoutmaster of Troop 170. Thus, fulfilling Great Grandma Mabey’s prophecy of early 1959.
of the old Mabey Homestead.
I often wondered how it was that Great Grandma Mabey knew that Dad was going to unselfishly serve as a leader, who would help shape the hearts and minds of hundreds upon hundreds of boys to become strong and moral men. For Dad served as Scoutmaster for 28 years! It was only a few months before her passing that my great grandmother shared her prophecy with my father.
At 69, soon to turn 70, I know one thing for sure. God cannot be limited. The Holy Spirit cannot be limited. I was only five years old, at the time, but I remember it like it was yesterday, the profound conviction that Great Grandma Mabey spoke when she told my father he was blessed and destined to be a most positive guiding force, for many, many boys.
Please do keep in close touch with the elders of your family. God grants them a wisdom, a prophecy, that reaches beyond human understanding. Love knows no boundaries. It cannot be limited. Please do hold precious, the wisdom of family elders.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Channel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@hotmail.com.