Haynie Fall Gathering a Success
Despite the weather forecast, it was a wonderful evening.
The Haynie neighbors celebrated a great turnout for this year's fall gathering! But for a brief moment, it seemed that the party was in jeopardy.
As the day went on and the time of the party was approaching, dark clouds filled the skies, dumping rain on the neighborhood. We grew nervous, fearing the gathering would have to be postponed or contained to the small gazebo or front porches, but, despite the rain, we persisted and continued setting up. Our neighbors Becky, Carol, and Marion toiled away in the kitchen, cooking the hotdogs (and hoping they would not go to waste!) while I scurried supplies to and fro, setting up tables, chairs, and refreshments.
While I was stringing lights in the gazebo, Becky called me to assess the situation, when a young neighbor approached and asked, "my parents want to know if this party is still going on. What do I tell them?" After a moment of pause, I looked at him and said, "the show must go on!"
Suddenly, mere minutes from the party, the rain lifted, and, right on cue, the cavalry arrived ― Nick Gates arrived on the scene with a pop-up tent and a blow-up jump castle for the kids (many thanks Nick, you really saved the day!). It was Nick's son who had relayed the message that we needed help, and the whole Gates clan delivered!
Many neighbors arrived shortly after to bring food and enjoy each other's company. The air was buzzing with a wonderful energy as everyone engaged in friendly conversations; it truly was a wholesome moment to highlight the relationships our community has built. And to think ― had the weather not played along, we would have missed such a nice evening!
