Ed Wood "The Right Stuff" Published Nov. 27, 2002

"WWW" not needed at Pig Roast

They called it a Pig Roast. The fourth such annual event. Oh sure, there were pigs. Roasted into wonderful barbecue. Two of them. And they were delicious. But that's not what it was all about. It was about people getting together just to enjoy each other's company. What a rarity. What a blessing in this age of electronic entertainment and long-range cyberspace communication.

It all started as a Sunday school class covered-dish dinner. A dozen people, at most. The word got out, and then it grew. The next year the number swelled to a hundred. Then someone got the idea that a good old-fashioned barbecued pig might add a little substance and flavor to the event. So a neighbor kicked in a medium-sized pig, and four or five other brave souls camped out all night keeping the embers going. It was great.

The next year hayrides for the kiddies were added, although more adults than children crowded onto the wagon, mostly to relive the nostalgic sound of the 1951 John Deere Model B. The old "Poppin' John." There were donkeys to ride, goats and sheep to pet, chickens to feed. And even more people came. That year and next.

So last month, there were over 450. Friends, neighbors, church members. Everyone within sight or earshot. The weather wasn't very cooperative. But it didn't matter. Delicious barbecue. Hot black-kettle caramel popcorn. Apple squeezin's. By now, three hay wagons. Horseshoeing and sheep herding demonstrations. Great local musical talent. And more casseroles and desserts than you could imagine.

But the main attraction? The main interest? Just people. Plain people. Just us. Friends and neighbors. No dignitaries or politicians to introduce -- none were invited. Just the real people nobody ever heard of. But the ones who make this county, and this country, a great place to live and raise our families.

Sad that in this age and time there are not many opportunities for community gatherings. Gatherings with no particular purpose. Not to be entertained. Not to be solicited. Not to be intoxicated. Not even to be converted. Just to meet and greet those that the rush of the 21st century has kept apart for much too long. To revive relationships and recall memories. To give a pat on the back. A hug. To congratulate a new mother for having the most beautiful baby in the county, even though it looked about like every other infant its age. An opportunity to just sit and talk. And enjoy.

We get so wrapped up in politics. In the rush of everyday life. In issues, real and imaginary. In worrying over impending disasters, that mostly never materialize. It's easy to forget that life's real values lie within the hearts of our friends and neighbors. The ones who always manage to be there when we need them. The ones we so often neglect.

So at this time of Thanksgiving, pause for a moment with the words of William Makepeace Thackery: "Most of us are very lonely in this world; you who have any who love you, cling to them, and thank God."

Now go find those you love. Give them a hug. And tell them so.

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Ed Wood is a resident of Sparta, TN. His column is published each Wednesday in the Crossville Chronicle.