Some of the fondest memories of my childhood, growing up in the Village of Martin, Louisiana, were visits to Kitchings' Grocery.  Nehi Red in a glass bottle, candy cigarettes, Chocolate Soldiers, and a Phillips 66 sign are all etched in my mind.  None are so vivid, though, as a cardboard Barlow pocketknife display perched on the top shelf behind the counter.

Each day as I accompanied Mom or Dad to "the store", my 5-year old eyes would fix themselves on that black and silver Barlow.  One particular day, Mom gave in and paid the $4.95 + tax for what would be my first very-own pocketknife!  I hugged Mrs. Lois Kitchings, more affectionately known throughout the community as "Miss Lois".  She was as excited as I was, but quickly admonished "Now you be careful with that knife.  It's not a toy".

A retired educator, she was the sole proprietor of the store after the passing of her husband, Mr. Garlen Kitchings.  I continued to visit there, almost daily, throughout my childhood, high school, and well into adulthood.  She told me once while I was in high school that I was blessed to have so many places I could call home.  "You have your parents, both of your grandmothers, and you always have my place", she said.

In recent years, Miss Lois remained sharp as a tack and had beautiful handwriting.  She prepared taxes for others, visited the sick and infirm, and faithfully attended Holley Springs Southern Methodist Church.  Not too many years ago, she broke a hip on a trip to Branson, had it replaced, and bounced back like a 30-year old.  As she reached her mid-nineties, however, falls and ailments slowed her down, eventually leaving her bedridden.

Today, March 3, 2011, Miss Lois went home to Heaven at the age of 97.  I will never think of home, Martin, Red River Parish, or my childhood without thinking of Miss Lois.  She was a cornerstone of our community, and a loving friend to all who knew her.  A 30-year old rusted Barlow pocketknife is now a reminder of one of many moments I was blessed to share with such a wonderful being.

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