Jake Sr.

Any of you who know me, are aware that my grandfather Jacob Ray Abernathy, Sr., recently passed away.  This is the first time I've lost anyone this close to me, so wrapping my head around this has been quite a process.  However, this particular piece is not about me, my family, or my grandfather.  It's about the community.

Jake Sr. was raised in Catawba, and has lived here his whole life, which stands to reason that he might be semi-well known.  Yet I had absolutely no idea at how quickly our entire family, and seemingly the whole town of Catawba and surrounding communities would come together; to support my family in our time of need, and come to pay their respects to the man I knew as "Papaw." 

So many people showed up immediately to provide comfort, and help with arrangements.  So many worked behind the scenes unnoticed to make sure things went as planned.  So many friends called to offer support, encouragement, sympathy, or a much needed laugh.  Some waited until the proverbial whirlwind slowed down to come forward because of how overwhelming something like this can be.  Each and every one of you are greatly appreciated.  I won't get into names, but each of you know what crucial part you played in our (ongoing) recovery. 

This event was a shock to all of us, and these circumstances are heavy with misfortune.  I wish everyone could experience the community in the way I have observed it recently, preferably without tragedy or loss.  I don't consider myself the type of individual to be easily moved or readily emotional; so I want to take the opportunity I have to thank the town of Catawba, its' residence, emergency services (fire, police, rescue, etc.), everyone who called, came by, pitched in, said a prayer, thought about us, hurt with us, sent messages, flowers, cards, those unable to attend but wished they could... everyone.  You make me proud to be American, from the South, from Catawba County North Carolina, and most especially, Catawba.

Thank you all, for everything.

Jacob Ray Abernathy, III

Lean Into It

This thought comes from when I was travelling with my school to New York City for the AWNY Conference, held every year at FIT School of Design.  We hadn't been there long, and after having been delayed on the runway for 2 hours, we were motivated for some food.  We were walking to the Mad Hatter which was just around the corner, and still trying to get accustomed to the pace of the city.  I thought about how much different it was there than it was from way out in a town no one had ever heard of, and how no one in the city seemed to pay attention to anything around them.  I was looking up at the buildings and ran squarely into a woman who was walking the other direction.  It wasn't that she wasn't paying attention, but that she had nowhere else to go, since our entire group was taking up the sidewalk.  I wasn't looking obviously, but I have to assume that she was trying to get out of my way, since I was closest to the building and she was trying to slide between it and myself.  She took a hell of a hit, and I certainly felt it too.  We both apologized, but I think she was doing it just so I wouldn't feel bad as it wasn't her fault at all.  As for the lesson.... wow, look at all these people not paying attention... IN MY FACE.

your comments and questions are always welcome.