From the editor

Spring 2024

I have vivid memories of spending sunny spring days on my late grandparents’ farm. My grandfather would sow lettuce while my Mama and grandmother would take me down the lane to search for the first bluebells of the season. On Memorial Day, we would cross the river in a johnboat to visit the graves of loved ones long since passed. Those childhood days of spring seemed to hold a simplicity that, no matter how hard I try, I’ve yet to recapture in adulthood.

I still try to embrace the essence of spring and replicate those cherished experiences with a modern twist. I pay homage to my grandfather by helping my husband in the garden. I scour local stores for the perfect potted plants. And although the johnboat has long since retired, my family and I remember and celebrate those who came before us in new ways. 

As we plant new seeds and watch them grow, we can reflect on the memories and experiences that have shaped us into the people we are today. Springtime is a time to remember loved ones who have passed on, and to celebrate their lives and the impact they had on us. By acknowledging the cycle of life in spring, we can find a deeper appreciation for the present moment and a sense of hope for the future. 

Molly Haines Riddle