Miss Lucille

The waters of eastern North Carolina have drawn mariners from all over the country to the Tar Heel state. There is a magnetic attraction to North Carolina's waters and picturesque shorelines. In more northern latitudes, such areas would be dotted with and endless array of houses. That type of density can cause a shoreline to lose its character almost completely.

The water and natural beauty of eastern North Carolina is but one component of the area's appeal. In addition to the visual attraction, there is an atmosphere of "tranquility" that is found in few other places. That, my friends, has to do with the natives of eastern North Carolina.

I would be hard pressed to name anywhere else where you would find nicer people than in eastern North Carolina. Those of us who relocated here have brought along with us some of the things that we intentionally moved away from. That is, traffic, residential construction, road construction, etc.

However, despite what we brought with us, the local folks have welcomed us with open arms. By and large, they met each of us with a kind word and a smile. While we may have come here due to our love of the water, we can find water in many places. What made the difference for most of us was the warm and friendly atmosphere ashore.

I am moved to bring this up because we have just lost someone that epitomizes the spirit of warmth and openness that has embraced so many "transplants" to the to this little paradise. Lucille Truitt of Oriental, North Carolina left the world that for so many years she made so bright. 

Miss Lucille and her husband, the late Captain Billy Truitt, lived most of their lives in Oriental. If you've ever visited Oriental, you would not likely escape a greeting from Miss Lucille and Captain Billy from the front porch of the "Ole Store."

In recent decades, the Ole Store was both home and business to the Truitt family. It was also the "front porch" for everyone in town. The business was a combination of an art gallery, an antique store and a consignment shop (and maybe a few other things). There was always a seat for a "passer by" on the porch, or in cooler weather, inside by the stove.

When I first moved to town and visited there, I commented to Lucille and Billy that they had everything on their front porch but the "kitchen sink." It wasn't long after that I drove by, looked on the porch and there it was . . . a kitchen sink! It was a double sink at that!

But it wasn't the store, the porch or the kitchen sink that made the difference to so many people. It was that Miss Lucille and her whole family treated every visitor like a long lost relative. If strangers just arrived in town and walked by, Miss Lucille made them feel as though they had just met up with an old friend.

The next time you count your blessings, don't forget to include Lucille Truitt and the many other local folks that have welcomed you to this little paradise. I know that I will.

Until next time, I wish you clear skies, fair winds, and calm seas!