The People On Your Path

As you walk the paths around the county fairground, think of those who have walked this path before you and left a mark not just on the fair but on your life.  They leave a legacy that guides you down the path of life with integrity, dedication, faith, and love.  There are so many people who have served so faithfully, generously, and with quiet strength and leadership.

The fair book gives remembrances to several people who have made an impact on the fair and the community.  We remember and give thanks for their lives.  One person who I saw every day last year at the fair will not be here with us this year – Franklin Leightey.  Franklin spent every day at the Fair last year enjoying the events and watching grandchildren show their animals.  Franklin showed sheep for years at this fair and at the State Fair.  His dad was part of the fair board and the bench outside the Fair Office is in memory of Adam Leightey.  For me, Franklin’s legacy is his quiet leadership and strength, his love for his family and Jesus.  I was named after his wife, Elaine which connected us in a unique way.  One farm separated where we were each raised.

Another person on the path is Charlotte Leeth.  Mrs. Leeth, as I refer to her, was my ninth-grade English teacher.  I credit her for beginning my writing journey.  She encouraged me as a teenager and saw potential in me which influenced me to write several books.  Mrs. Leeth edited my last book – Live Different Moments. Since you are reading this column, you can thank Mrs. Leeth too.  Her influence is still producing fruit.

My life has been impacted by the encouraging words of my teacher.  Mrs. Leeth has lived ninety-eight years on this earth.  Her life has been fruitful in great and small ways.  She has made a difference in her students and her community and in her faith and mission trips.  I am privileged to be counted among those she has influenced.  Age is just a number to her.  She remains active and full of joy and life.

My fair days are not complete until I receive a hug from Mr. Tom Baker who comes each year to work in the Lion’s Club booth.  As a teacher, he had a gift for teaching and turning learning into an experience that made a lasting impact.  He created government day where High School seniors took over the local government for a day.  This developed skills of creativity, confidence, and a hands-on understanding of the workings of government.  Mr. Baker genuinely cared for his students.

My dad loved the fair and went every day.  As a child, I learned to love the fair because of my dad. The fair has wonderful exhibits, events, booths, animals, and food, but what makes the fair is the people.  It is where the community gathers, shares life, and remembers.  It is where you stand and talk.  It is where you remember those who you shared the fair with in the past.  They still walk with you on this path.  They are not physically with you, but they are in your heart. 

Many of the people are now walking the path in Heaven today.  Maybe there are fairs in Heaven.  Why not – it is a place to celebrate, feast together, there are lots of animals, and the fellowship and conversation never cease.  Maybe fairs are a little bit of Heaven on earth.

My website – www.livinginthedifferent.com

Elaine J. Sturtz

Living In The Different