One of the greatest gifts I have ever received was the joy of knowing

my great-aunt, Macie Eva Johnson.

The following are excerpts of our family history she wrote:

"I have always been proud of and loved dearly my native Ozarks, and I am equally proud of the pioneers, who came to make permanent homes in this lovely land of hills, streams, forests, flowers, wild life, song birds, blue skies and sunshine. The first white men and women who came with their families to build their homes in the Ozark region were industrious, intelligent, literate, God-fearing and far-seeing people. They were for the most part the sons and daughters of the pioneers from Virginia and the Carolina's, who had settled Western Tennessee and Kentucky."

"We often hear people express sympathy for the poor pioneers. Such expressions are lost on me. I know there were hardships, but the thrill of acquiring fine land at small cost, the clearing and developing it and the opportunity enabling them to build homes for themselves, and the develop a fine community in which to live, were experiences to be envied rather than pitied."

"I have always loved the twilight of the day. That time after the long hours of labor are finished and the tired body can relax and rest. Then one can evaluate the day and plan for tomorrow. When the peace and quiet that follows the activity and noise of the day enables one to meditate on the problems that perplex, and anticipate the joys of the future. To sit at ease in the gathering shadows and watch the stars light up the heavens, brings one close to his Creator, and fills his soul with peace and gratitude, and makes him thankful for a loving, merciful Father in Heaven.

I am enjoying also the twilight years of retirement. As strength fails and I realize, I can no longer do the work I have done; I find that lighter tasks keep the hands busy; that the mind is free to recall pleasant memories; and meditate upon life that is; death that must come; and eternity that follows.

Having studied and believed the Bible since childhood, and having tried earnestly to follow it's light, not only on Sunday, but every day, I hope to hear through the Grace of God, my Saviour say, "Well done", and spend eternity in the place He has prepared for his faithful."

We took Aunt Macie home when she passed and she rests in the family plot in Forsyth, Mo.

Her headstone appropriately reads:

Well done, good and faitful servant."

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Thanks for stoppin by and saying, "HOWDY!"



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