H. Weir Cook

Betcha don't know much of this man's story.

Neva, Queen of the Valley

Have ya ever had someone prey on your mind, seemingly for no reason at all?
It happens frequently to me.
This morning I started thinking about her. She was a unique individual, unafraid to speak her mind, and willing to defend her thoughts if you disagreed with her.
Neva B., Mother of my good friend Steve and his older brother, Cecil.

She was married to Raymond.
Raymond was a man of few words.
I was never witness to a discussion between Raymond and Neva, but got the impression Raymond was happy with Neva running the show because she did it well.
I saw this family go through the stresses in life and stick together... like FAMILY.

When you'd walk into the room Neva would give you the once over...
She'd make comments on your shoes. Your hair. Where she had seen you earlier.
"I made my Red Velvet cake. Would you like some?"
(Her cake was moist, WONDERFUL. DON'T EVEN THINK about asking for the recipe!)

We've often discussed here how "The Valley" was extended family for many of us.
That certainly applied to Neva.
If you screwed up, Neva wasn't afraid to step up and let you know your behavior needed changing. And you knew you'd better show an attitude change quickly, 'cause Neva was also like a dog on a bone...
She was relentless.
Give up early and save yourself the harrassment, because she'd win in the long run, guaranteed.

She was irritating.
And we knew she loved us... all of us.

(I just remembered... she drove a stick-shift automobile, and went directly from 1st gear to 3rd, skipping 2nd EVERY TIME.)

Tell me Neva...
Why are you occupying my mind today?