Memories of an old porch swing

An old porch swing has a unique charm, providing an abundance of relaxing, down-home country atmosphere regardless of where one happens to live. Some of my fondest memories revolve around the old, worn swing that used to adorn the front porch of my childhood home. I vividly remember my mom sitting in that old porch swing as twilight settled in, carefully watching over us kids as we scampered around the yard chasing "lighting bugs" and listening to our own squeals of delight several times as they echoed back and forth between the hills and down the "holler". With eight kids to feed (and often a friend or two), she would usually be breaking beans, shelling peas, shucking corn, or preparing some other vegetables that she had picked from the garden earlier in the day. And of course she would be humming one of her favorite old hymns. I also remember how my dad would sit in that same old swing on a lazy Sunday afternoon, enjoying the cool breeze while strumming his guitar and singing a country or gospel tune. He could play with the best of them, but only for his and our personal enjoyment, not money, even though he easily could have. And I'll never forget those hot, muggy summer nights when it was simply too uncomfortable to stay inside. Even after so many years have come and gone, I can still recall sitting in that old swing, listening to the country sounds of the bullfrogs from the nearby creek joining in an evening chorus with the crickets and whippoorwills. Mom's abundant love, a cold slice of juicy watermelon, and that old porch swing were the foundation upon which my favorite memories were built. I've often heard it said that the best part of life still lies ahead, and I believe it's true, but the memories of my boyhood and how it revolved around that squeaky old porch swing will remain with me always!