Smokey Mountain Memories

The Best of Jamie's Column: Smoky Mountain Memories

Several years ago when I was doing my television show, Positive Living, I contacted the company that
published a new book by author/poet Willadeene Parton entitled Smoky Mountain Memories. Willadeene
is the oldest sibling in a family of twelve children who grew up in the heart of The Great Smoky
Mountains in the face of what most would consider unbearable poverty. Her stories weave pictures of a
simpler time when life was filled with family values and a deep rooted spiritual awareness. Her
descriptive words took me to the green foothills of Tennessee, to a time and place that I had never
experienced.

As a fan of Dolly Parton's, I knew who Willadeene Parton was. I had heard of her in stories and interviews
throughout the years of following Dolly's career. Somehow she held a place of reverence for being the
oldest sister, who Dolly always credits for helping raise the twelve children of Avie Lee and Lee Parton.
Smoky Mountain Memories brought to light for me the beauty of Willadeene as an individual in her own
right. Her gift as a writer helped me see that true talent and gifts run deep in the well spring of family
genes and one's heritage.

The publisher of the book agreed to set up an interview with Ms. Parton. She contacted me and arranged
that I spend the day with her in Sevierville, Tennessee, to prepare for the television interview. I was
excited at the prospect of meeting and spending time with the sister of Dolly Parton, and learning more
about the stories of the childhood I'd heard of since my early years.

Willadeene Parton arrived right on time at the diner near the town square of Sevierville. From the
window as I waited I could see the life-sized bronze statue the town had erected in honor of it's famed
citizen, Dolly, near the entrance to the court house. Willadeene was a very attractive woman and the
locals in the restaurant all turned as she entered. I recognized her immediately from her picture on the
cover of the book jacket which lay on the booth's table before me. We talked briefly over a glass of ice
tea, and she asked me if I wanted to take a drive. As we left the diner and headed out of town and I
wondered where we were going, she asked me to hand her the cell phone that lay on the seat beside
her. She called someone and told them we were on our way. I never asked where we were headed,
because at that moment it didn't really matter to me. I watched her as she drove and listened to her every
word as she pointed to places along the ride of her past.

When the pavement ended on the two lane road I began to wonder where this ride might end. Suddenly
before me was what I can only describe as a huge fort. It was a compound of some sort and she told me I
was not allowed to take pictures from this point on or ever show anyone where we had come. I agreed.
The huge gates opened and we drove inside. I knew immediately it was Dolly's house. I didn't say a
word. My heart was pounding. I was at Dolly Parton's house and no one I knew could see me or would
even believe that I was there.

We walked around the property talking and laughing. Often we walked in silence. She allowed me to go
into the private old chapel on the grounds for a few moments, and I prayed a prayer of gratitude and
asked to always remember this day. For others this day wouldn't be a big deal. For me it was a gift that
had been given to me, a gift in meeting Willadeene, a gift in going to Dolly's house, and the gift of
creating a memory I would always treasure.

My time in Sevierville that day made me realize that God truly does give us gifts to bring us happiness. I
am thankful for having had the opportunity to get to know Willadeene Parton and to interview her. I think
of her often and pray for her and her family as she requested me to do that day. I often ask Spirit to allow
me to remember certain moments in my life that I know are pivotal to shaping the person I am becoming.
"Let me remember this moment Father, Let me remember how this feels and may I treasure it always."
Be in the moment when your heart sings through song, joy, and even tears. Life is a precious gift when
we face it head on with an expecting heart. Always expect Spirit to give you the best that life has to offer.

Until next month. Keep spreading "The Light."

Jamie Sanders is a New Thought minister ordained through The Barbara King School of Ministry in
Atlanta, Georgia and The World Federation of Unity Churches. He has been the producer and host of his
own weekly television program, Positive Living and is an active speaker, workshop facilitator and
performer for Unity Churches, retreats, and other New Thought organizations. He is a featured columnist
for The Light, Kaleidoscope and Alternatives magazines, as well as other spiritual publications. Jamie
holds a B.A. in Metaphysical Studies, is a certified pastoral counselor, and serves as a District President
for The International New Thought Alliance. He resides in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. You can visit his
web site at www.jamiesanders.com and join his online mailing list or email him at Jamie1118@aol.com