The day ended with the best fried chicken I’d ever eaten- from Jackson’s in Camden, Alabama. One of my best friends Russell and I had just finished one of the best tours I’ve experienced- the Home Tours in Wilcox County. If you have not done this and are a fan of old homes, be sure to like the Wilcox Historical Society Facebook page. Get your tickets as soon as they go on sale in December. It is worth it! And, please eat Jackson’s fried chicken and bring me back a box.

As Thelma and I, Louise, (oops I mean Russell and me) rode off into the sun (we didn’t kill anyone or run off a cliff) from the tour, eating our chicken (best straight out of the box, no plates or etiquette necessary), I began to think about how this past year has changed me and for the better. First and foremost, I have to say that God brings people in your life and at the right time. Russell and I became fast friends after one phone call. He means so much to Will, me, and our boys. He keeps us laughing with his quick wit and is a big giver.

One of the things I love about older homes are the parlors in the front. Parlors in the South were where guests were received and welcomed in the home. I imagine the lady and gentleman of the home rushing out to greet their guests with warm hugs and beverages, much like we do now except not as formal; we always end up in our kitchen when I have guests. Much like our friendship, Russell welcomed me, a stranger, coping with a new diagnosis with no questions asked. Upon walking up to one of these homes, Wakefield (probably my favorite that day), a gentleman dressed in period clothing, greeting guests, made a point to speak to me. He recognized that I was undergoing treatment and told me, he too, was a survivor for 10 years. There was a mist in his eyes and his voice lowered when he spoke. I could tell it pained him to see another member of the Cancer Club. The thing about this Club, once you are in, the out pour of support is overwhelming. We welcome new members open arms, but it pains us to know what that person has to endure. I’ve included a picture of him with this blog. I cannot begin to tell you what it meant to me that he came over and spoke.

These past few months, I’ve gotten closer to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and the proverbial finish line. Being able to handle the latest rounds of chemo, has done so much more for me as it has allowed me to do things with friends, family, the boys, and Will.

I challenge us all-regardless of where we are in life and challenges we are facing- to seek new friends, treasure the old ones, and find new roads. God has so much planned for us all. I thank God for giving me a new view into life through my Cancer journey. I also thank him for my new friend Russell. I thank him for the friends I still treasure and who have been stars to guide me. I thank him for a supportive husband that continues to shave his head until mine grows back.

Next year, we will travel back to Wilcox County. I hope to stay in a Bed and Breakfast the night before the tours. By then, I’ll have hair! I’ll dress in period clothing, eat period food, and eat fried chicken. No one will be able to tell this Scarlett anything!

The weekend of this home tour was a peek into what my life can be- full of adventure, wonderment, and joy from the simplest of things- fried chicken, back roads, friendship, and old homes.

The gentleman that spoke to me, a survivor for 10 years!