Beyond Our Comprehension

Papa would say this is just fine. We are always better and always for worse. In life’s balance being just fine, is well – just fine. Here is another version of Papa’s song. A man at thirteen who couldn’t swing a sledge but could handle a team of animals made him an extra nickel a day. That fed his younger sisters and brothers. He lived not for himself but for the survival of his family. He was my mother ‘s father and my best friend. He taught me strength and taught me to bend the ground to our will. To farm, to feed, to house, and to be. He loved God his way and suffered more than one should suffer. His grace and stubbornness is always missed. His greatest phrase to me, “Keep it between the ditches” will forever be known. His story will always be told. Earl Murphy Hardage, a papa of many and friend to all.