I wrote this on Wednesday, October 23rd.
After walking the Greenway today I needed to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING. I couldn’t just go home and eat chocolates. I decided to do something I’ve never ever done before and also thought was a tad insane.
If you have driven through Black Mountain on a Wed from 5-6pm since 2018 then you know about the “Love Lady”, Ruth Pittard. She made a sign that says “Love”, hung it around her neck and stood on the town square corner. She waved and she smiled. It caught on. Everyone knows about the Love Group. Sometimes small in number and sometimes large, every Wednesday, 5-6 pm, rain or shine, someone will be there. In fact Ruth has only missed one day and it was this year due to a really nasty case of Covid.
Today I hung a”Love” sign on my neck at 5 pm and waved and waved and waved. I smiled so much my mouth hurt and it was glorious. People honked, they hung out of their windows and they thanked us. One guy played a little tune on his horn and we danced. We cheered as Spectrum, AT&T, Duke Energy, portable potties, portable potty tankers and dumpsters passed. We chatted with people as they stopped for the light. The Spectrum driver smiled and said “I’m from New York, I don’t even know where I am!” We laughed and told him to watch it, he will definitely want to stay!
Ruth is one of my Mom’s dearest and oldest friends. When I need my Mom to listen, Ruth is my person. She misses Mom dreadfully and I am her person for that too. My Mom was so embarrassed that Ruth started this tradition. She, well, a lot of us think Ruth does crazy things. But that’s our Ruth. She also came to see Mom every Wednesday when she left the Love Corner. After Mom passed I found out Mom never ever drove past the square on Wednesdays from 5-6 because she didn’t want Ruth to wave at her. One afternoon in March 2022, Mom and I were coming home from chemo, or a blood transfusion or platelets or bookwork, and horror of all horrors! I drove through the square, waved and honked!
Today I stood with my surrogate Mom, feeling fully indoctrinated into the blood of Black Mountain. We ARE #BlackMountainStrong and #braveinallthings.
© Gatewood Campbell, October 2024
Embracing Change 
What a wonderful way to spend a Wednesday afternoon! I love this group of people who share love to all who drive by. I’ve always been a honker, but maybe I’ll hang a sign around my neck and join in next time I’m there!
Gatewood,
I’ve had you on my mind since the end of September. I can’t say that I’ve read all your posts, but I know you have shown the truth and put your feelings out in the open. That takes a lot of guts. This post made me laugh and cry.
I just needed to tell you how much I admire what you are doing. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Morgan