The first gentleman shot in this spree was up the road about ten miles; he has been farming and living in this area for a half century; his people for ever. My neighbor’s Mom and Dad are neighbors of the Cash’s remember through the houses in this part of Gaffney South Carolina are peach farms and a good ways away from each. Yesterday, my son, daughter and I went to pick up her car from the shop. She tried to knock down Sonic and we had to get some damage fixed. We went through two Police stops in the three miles from my house to the shop. Now we were just waived through; the officers where old friends but it felt better to see all those good people out looking hard for this nut. The furniture store is where I bought my wife’s anniversary present last year; she wanted one of those grandmother clocks for the mantle so I got her one. I only shopped there a couple of times but it still makes this thing a little sadder.
Law enforcement from all the local area counties are helping along with a bunch of the state police and the FBI. There have been some local celebrations cancelled but most of the big stuff is still on. I have family here today and friends from college up from Florida (still a sleep) and we are going to get our fat sun burned by the pool and grill chicken and hotdogs later in the day. For breakfast my wonderful wife is cooking homemade biscuits and homemade sausage gravy. It’s like my celebration centers around food; could be worse, it use to center around alcohol. At least I’ll feel a little better tomorrow morning. We were all going fishing this morning before it got to hot, but the killer changed those plans. I’ll let everyone sleep in and talk with my good friends at RBA. The fire Chief always puts on a big firework display this evening; some of his boys will be sober and around to see nothing gets burned down.
So despite the evil stalking the good people of upstate South Carolina we will still gather and celebrate the freedom and courage this day should honor. We do, I must admit have the guns loaded and at hand, we have even shared protection with our friends and neighbors that don’t routinely have or carry fire arms. Of course there are a few friends we just keep an eye on because God love them, they shouldn’t have a gun…ever, lol. We will pray often during our gatherings this weekend for a positive resolution to this terrible tragedy. We will find safety in family and friends; like it should be in this country and culture. God bless you all, God bless the United States of America and I pray you all have a safe and happy Fourth of July.
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