The next two days saw a proper and respectful send off for Papa. From the scribbled signatures in the funeral home ledger and the long lines during the viewing, the town of Hayesville really stepped up to show their love and appreciation. Their love also came in the form of Mom and Dad’s kitchen table and counters overflowing with homemade cakes and casseroles.
As a minister’s daughter, I had a sixth sense on how to spot the tastiest desserts. Whenever an impeccably dressed church lady arrived with an offering, I mentally catalogued the plate. In my experience, the bigger the hair, the better the food. There was just something about teasing your hair to the heights of glory while cementing it in place with a can of Aqua Net that made you a better cook.
In a matter of forty-eight hours, I
