In November 1971, I entered U.S. Army and stayed for many years. My little Farmall sat under shelter and collected dust. When I would come home on leave, I would crank it up, and ride around on it. I had to go overseas, and I knew my little tractor would just fade away with nobody to use it. I told Mama to sell it for whatever she could get out of it and to use money for something she wanted. She sold it to her first cousin, Alvin Gill, for $500.

In 2001 after I had found that $700 canceled check, I started having thoughts about tracking down that Farmall so I could maybe buy it and bring it back home. I called Alvin and asked about tractor. Unfortunately, he had sold it to someone and could not remember to who. I hope that somewhere out there, my Farmall Super A is still purring away bringing joy to its' owner. Mama didn't have much money when she bought me that tractor so that $700 was a small fortune to her. She knew that her son would enjoy this gift so she sacrificed to buy it.

Maybe one day, I'll run across that red one row Farmall Super A. If not, I have precious memories of it, and of my Mama who bought it for me.

James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

Copyright 2005 Irvin L. Rozier

Texas emancipation law is that - an actual law on a physical piece of paper, that needs to be read and remembered. Emancipation in Texas was not taken lightly 140 years ago, we must also remember and try to imagine what it was like to hear emancipation proclamation summary. Imagine what it was like standing there with half your strength already gone from working all morning (read 4 a.m. until), what it was like to have whip marks on or backs that itched or ached even if they had already healed from years ago.

Imagine standing there barefoot and barely clothed in rags to hear - you are FREE. In your Juneteenth celebrations, remember to celebrate everything - you are FREE.

African american slavery is a crime punishable by law. Juneteenth day from now on has to empahasize, remember to celebrate everything - you are FREE.

The plight of african american people has a solution - FREEDOM. Remember to celebrate everything.

Daviyd Peterson ©2005 All Rights Reserved