I headed back home for George's benefit on the 20th of March. Eli Manning was on my flight home. He, his wife, little girl and their dog. To be on the same plane as someone so talented was very special. I have seen him play, I wouldn't call myself an avid football fan, but I've seen him enough to know how talented he is. There's an aura about a person with such a skill, (reminds me of my G) Eli is very sweet and kind. I could tell by the way he was with is baby girl that she loves him dearly and that he's a great father to her. When I arrived in New York, I knew it would be a difficult week, props to my mom who handles it all with grace. When I left this January, George was supposedly healthy...he had a "cold" and was recovering from it. We were made aware in February, that this cold that had interrupted his ability to use is voice wasn't a cold at all but rather, stage 4 Endocrine based Carcinoma. He's been hospitalized since. This is where the benefit comes in and part of the reason for my visit-- It was truly amazing and beautiful to see all of the people who so Love George to come together to support him in his bump in the road with cancer. It was my honor to spend time with all who attended. I could physically feel the love of his friends in the room on that day. It was very moving. Just thinking about it now makes me tear up, tears of happiness, people looking out for people. We're all in this together, his friends proved it to us on that day. The hospital staff ask if George is a politician because he receives just as many visitors as one. His "brothers" in Corrections take care of him very well and make him feel so loved--it's such a blessing to know he's being visited and cared for the way he is. There are a few men in particular who are helping my mom so much. Without them, she'd not be as composed as she is. I am thankful to them for Georges sake...she has to be strong for George, and they're truly so special.
Back to the Delta--We're staying here at the Hollywood Plantation. This is Eustace Winn's labor of love. He is a descendant of the Burrus's. What he's done here, the hours he's put into the land and structures is truly incredible. The first day we arrived I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and quiet. I stayed planted on the lawn giving and receiving lots of love from one of Eustace's many dogs, Flash, a springer spaniel, and soaking up the sun and the good vibes on the grass. The first few sunsets we witnessed here took my breath away. To see the skyline for miles on the horizon while the sun sets beyond it is breath taking-I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing. Mississippi is great for sunsets. Eustace's property has a total of 6 standing structures on it. The big house a.k.a. The Baby Doll House or Burrus House which is pictured in the website, a magnificent detached kitchen for the main house, 2 shot gun shacks, a cabin (which is the reason for our stay, G and Eustace are restoring it), and Eustace's house. We're staying in what Eustace calls "The Love Shack," it has a bedroom, bathroom, large living room with big comfy mossyoak camouflage couches, a big flat screen TV with DirectTV, and a table for dining. It still feels a bit strange to be in a "shack" with running water and direct tv, but I'm not complaining!
Last night we ate at Doe's Eat Place. Owned by our friend Matthew Burdine's fathers best friend, it's the best steak house around. Known statewide, really! It's great! We were celebrating Eustace's Birthday, a bit early, it's on friday, but were lucky enough to be dining in the same room as Morgan Freeman. Morgan grew up in Clarksdale, MS, and frequents Doe's while in the Delta. I'm telling you, its THE BEST. I think I'm still full. So, Morgan was a doll. He made a point to chat for a bit, he introduced himself (as if it were needed) and shook each of our hands all while keeping constant eye contact. He was very entertaining too, asking me "What are you doing hanging around with this group guys!?" and then winking. You know when you speak with someone and they're so friendly and act like they've got nowhere to be but sharing time with you? That's the feeling we got from Morgan.
Garrett has worked so hard today, he was up at 6am...it's 6pm now and he's still going strong. I've never seen a man work harder, or faster than him. He wastes no time, if he needs a tool that is 50 yards away, he will run to get to it to get back to his project. Eustace is a great help to G, I am blown away by his willingness to help in any way he possibly can and take on tasks he's learned just a minute before without hesitation. I hope one day people will look back on this land and FEEL the love, blood, sweat and tears infused within the walls of the structures and on the land. It's beautiful, and "it will amaze you." I enjoy knowing that Garrett loves his job, he enjoys what he's doing on a daily basis. I love to see Garrett at work, he's the most talented craftsmen, and I'm not biased because I'm his girl... ;) well, maybe a little.
I'm just starting this blog now, but I hope to add detailed days to it, so you may get a better idea of what these words truly mean. I'm sorry I've jumped around so much, and if it's hard to follow...i'm not the most talented writer, not talented at all in fact. but...hang in there, my posts may get better with more experience. Be good to eachother.
