Three In One

This is a song that invokes three memories,

 Coming from a village the antics of the self-righteous sinners of Harper Valley reminded me immediately of my hometown when I first heard it in 1965.  The not so well-kept secrets of our more illustrious citizens were like many of Harper Valley’s to be sure.  Yet they were all thought highly of and protected by the rest of the established citizenry.  Outsiders, on the other hand, were not afforded the same protection or leeway.  Even hearing it now takes me back to my hometown, which I love even with its flaws.
 In 1991 I had the chance to see Jeannie C. Riley at the Florida State Fair.  From the moment she stepped on stage until she sang her last number she was enchanting.  After the show we lined up with other fans to get her autograph.  Far from the hard lady that addressed the Harper Valley PTA Jeannie was soft-spoken, gracious, and unaffected by her fame.  She took the time to truly talk to everyone and thank them for being there.  It was an honor to shake her hand.
 The Mrs. Johnson of the song and the singer both came to mind last year when my close friend’s husband passed away unexpectedly.  She was, as one would expect, devastated.  For weeks she went about life in a fog.  With little ones at home there was little time during the day for her own grief, but I knew she cried in the wee hours of the night.  When the time was right I convinced her to join me for a “girls’ night out”.  We laughed, we cried, and we talked about everything from living to dying as we ate, had a few drinks, and listened to the music.  It was karaoke night and I finally convinced her sing a song with me.  As we belted out Harper Valley PTA I knew she was going to be okay.  The grief would go on, but she was ready to tackle life again on her terms with faith and determination.
 One song, three precious memories.