18 Comments
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Dianne Prichard's avatar

Oh, Mary. You are an integral part of the community.This is the model we need for the entire world. FYI, the title of our book was inspired by a barnraising--strangers became friends, tensions were erased as all worked for the common good.

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Mary Swander's avatar

Love that that’s where you got your title. Yes, I thought about the underpinnings of the Faulkner story, and how this incident is the opposite of that scenario. Thanks so much for understanding.

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Dianne Prichard's avatar

Now I have to read the Faulkner story!

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Mary Swander's avatar

Yes, my scene was based on a different social and agricultural structure.

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Russ Mullen's avatar

Great observations and insights into a neighborhood.

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thanks, Russ.

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Denny Coon's avatar

Looking for joy in the midst of turmoil due to the political world we live in now. Mary delivered big time with this story. Beginning the next day with the barn raising brought a whole hay wagon full of joy and hope!

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thanks, Denny. I knew you would like this piece.

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Elizabeth Cunningham's avatar

Harrowing and heartening, disaster met by community.

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Suzan Erem's avatar

Beautifully told, Mary. You had me nearly in tears by the end!

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thank you so much, Susan. I’m happy to hear that you were moved by the piece.

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Chuck Offenburger's avatar

Great story by a good neighbor!

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Mary Swander's avatar

That means a lot coming from you!

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Chip Albright's avatar

Wonderful story, thank you Mary!

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thanks!

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Denise OBrien's avatar

Oh Mary, how awful! This graphic post had me with you as you tended to the needs of your community. I experienced two fires while growing up and have always carried with me a fear that I might meet up with a fire again in my life. As I drive over the fill to our farmstead, I am always relieved to see no smoke.

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Mary Swander's avatar

This was a bad fire, but with cooperation, the barn is rebuilt. It’s a big trauma, though. I’m sorry you went through that.

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K Zebert's avatar

So enjoyed this piece. It has been eons since l read the Faulkner story. I will need to re-read it.

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