Through the Refiner’s Fire
Stories of a Heart Growing Up in the South
by
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Grandfather Oaks and Tire Swings excerpt
A pall swept over me as even before looking, I knew that things were really different. Looking down I saw the light and dark spots flickering over the ground from where the sun shone through the leaves of the grandfather oaks. I walked like a child playing hopscotch from spot to spot, enjoying the warmth of the dirt from the light spots, then the cool earth from the dark spots, as all the years gone by and probably some neglect had long ago irradicated all grass from the site. Looking up, I noticed that the far paddock was a shambles, the tin roof was nearly all gone, and what was left was merely a rusty reminder of lessons learned there. The railroad tie that had been planted by my father in the middle of that paddock was still standing, and the screw hook that had been drilled into the top of the pole was also still there. It was rusted and worn down but it was there. My daddy had placed it in the center of that paddock so that I could use it to teach my yearling how to change leads on the run and react to voice commands on the fly. I took great delight in using that facility and training my own horse. Then as I continued my walk, I looked to the right and saw a rope hanging from one of the lower limbs of the largest oak on the property. It was green from rot and tattered on the end. It struck me that it was the rope that used to hold the old tire that I would swing from during lulls in the excitement of just being there. The tire had been from a 1935 Ford truck. It had been recovered by my daddy from a local salvage yard for the sole purpose of allowing me to be giddy and carefree. Tires in those days were narrower and easier to fit a child’s behind in while swinging or even twisting up the rope so when I sat down and let go I would spin in circles until I was ready to puke. Alas, that too was now gone.
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About the Book
Through the Refiner’s Fire is a collection of stories that reflect the author’s life growing up in the South in a rural community. It was a wonderful and simple time of life that brought joy and amazement to her as a young child.
This book also reflects her journey through various significant relationships she has had over the years. It is her desire that as you read this book, you will find encouragement and even some joy because of her words. Also, the stories can help you reflect on some of your own positive stories you have had in your journey.
About the Author
Jane Coleman was born in Tampa, Florida, in 1955. She was constantly in love with anything that had four legs and fur. As far as she was concerned, the whole world should be that way! As a child, she played in the orange groves near her family’s home, chasing butterflies and enjoying all the wonders she found there.
As she grew, she began to tell stories about the creatures and people who lived nearby. The people she loved to write about most were her family. Her first family was her mommy, daddy, and her brother Hart. Then there was Auntie and Uncle Tom, her husband, along with their dog butch. Finally, was Ma—her grandmother. You will read about her in some of the stories found inside this book.
While Jane still sometimes wishes she could reach back into her past to see them all again, she does have the sweet memories to savor until they are called together again.
She also gives a big thank you to her husband Charlie who was a great encourager, her friend Tom Edwards, who encouraged and supported her throughout the project and to Hope Edwards for her wonderful illustrations. Without them and a few others, this book would not have been possible.