Dear Dad,

I hope everything is going alright in your world. You see the masks and the pandemonium in the streets these days from your window, I’m sure, but rest assured that I’m Kimberly and I are staying as safe as we can. Cash and Koda are in great health and none the wiser of what’s going on, but they sense when we’re nervous, as dogs tend to do and come to us for attention or to distract us for a while. It’s kind of the way that Edna did for you late last year; how she knew something was wrong but was right by your side the whole time. Listen, I won’t take up a lot of your time with this letter; I know you probably have much better things to be doing right now. I just wanted to check in like I would back when we were closer and give you an update as to what’s going on.

Kimberly and I finally moved into Maw Maw’s house. That will make three generations of family in Riverbend on this acre of land. Mom told me that’s what you both wanted, but I know that timing is everything. We’ve done a lot to the house with money we saved through years of tax returns that were going to go towards a down payment on a house. Fresh paint, tile in the bathroom, and best of all TOOLS (your favorite). We’ve got big plans for the yard when winter rolls around and everything dies out, but until then we’re going to stick with what we can inside as the heat rises. It makes me smile each time I come across a little marking or some numbers written down from some measurement you’ve taken from a project you had taken on for this place, whether it was for Maw Maw or for a homemade upgrade to the property when you lived here.

Today is your birthday which is difficult here. I know I never did much anyways, but I can’t even call now to tell you and hear your voice… It really sucks. Ever since we lost you back in October there’s been a void that’s just indescribable. It’s crazy because no matter what, I still see you everywhere I go. I find that I see you in lady bugs a lot. I took mom to make a funeral home payment one afternoon and as we were leaving, a ladybug grabbed onto my shirt and hitched a ride from downtown Mount Holly all the way down Highway 273 into Riverbend. I researched ladybugs and what they mean; you know, their symbolism and I felt like you fit the bill. There was another instance just the other day where I thought I saw you in a butterfly. I’m sure you saw when the deck belt on my riding lawn mower flew off the pulley. I called Kimberly’s grandfather for help and as I was on the phone, I couldn’t help but get distracted by this butterfly that wouldn’t leave me alone. It wasn’t long before it even decided to take refuge atop my butterfly tattoo. I know it sounds crazy and you know, it probably is. I just regret so much… I took so much for granted towards the end and as your limp and weary body gasped for air the last time I sat beside you, all I could muster the courage to say was, “Dad… Thank you for everything.”

Despite any bad times or disagreements, you always pulled through and provided for your family. You worked so hard and taught me so much that I use daily; so much so that it’s almost scary. Your hands were so callus and strong at one point in time and you were robbed… I miss you so badly that I can’t see straight. So badly that I can’t even cry about it because it’s such a numb and dark pain to me, and if I could just hug you one more time for your birthday, it would mean so much… I just want to hear you on the phone again and chuckle a little when you would get almost comically mad at something and say, “Well that ain’t worth a shit!”, but I know that won’t happen.

For now, I’m going to keep wearing your necklace. I’ll be on the lookout for ladybugs and butterflies in hopes that you’re paying me a visit. This is just the first of many of your birthdays that we’ll have to get through, but I know it will get easier in time. I want to ask a favor before I go, okay? I don’t know anymore than you did what’s on the other side, but I’m a believer. I just want you to promise me that you’ll meet me at the pearly gates one day to show me around. That’s all. Happy birthday Dad… I love you.

Your second son,
Shelton Fisher

For years, North Carolina has been a state of notoriety. “The Andy Griffith Show” was based here, many have written famous songs about the state and our towering pine trees, there is rich history right in our backyard, and not to mention some of the refreshing contributions we provide such as Sundrop and beer from some of the best local breweries around. As a native, I am proud to say this is where I come from and where I will probably take my last breath. I’m Shelton Fisher and I’m your Carolina Columnist.

I was raised in Gaston County just outside the Mount Holly town limits. A lot of people refer to that area as Riverbend. I spent my childhood going to school in Mount Holly and graduated from East Gaston High School in 2011. During those years, I wrote in English classes and creative writing courses but never took it seriously until I was twenty-five years old. I had begun a blog about my journey for better mental health and began getting positive feedback from those who took the time to read it. After some heavy consideration I decided to begin to seek an outlet that would let me write on a more local level. I finally found a local newspaper that gave me a chance that I continue to write for to this day and I put my heart in each story I write. At this point you may be wondering, “Well if you’re published, then why have this project?”

I decided to start The Carolina Columnist because I believe in not only my community, but my state as well. I want to tell stories about growing up in one of the best places one could imagine, as well as continue the saga of a man and his family taking things one day at a time. Things here will hopefully make you think of simple times, and peaceful times where things weren’t so hectic. There may be the occasional serious column here and there to address certain issues, but we’ll always come right back to the back porch swing.

The Carolina Columnist is a free online publication that serves the community by engaging with thought provoking content that will make one reminisce and reel back to the good times. If you enjoy what you’re reading, feel free to subscribe by email or contact me at fishersfreelance@gmail.com. Take care!

Your Carolina Columnist,
Shelton Fisher