Betty Jean Hogan – Cucumber Relish Maker extraordinaire
God Given Moments
In Appalachia’s warm and humble place,
Loved ones gather, face to face,
They surround us every day,
Brightening life in a gentle way.
Fresh hand pies, warm and sweet,
Such treasures are a tasty treat,
Each bite a reminder, bright and clear,
That happiness is always near.
The hiding cucumbers, grown large, but fresh,
Give a moment’s pause, to make us blest;
We stop and smell, and quietly see—
Many little joys, so genuine and free.
Tasty cucumber relish, the steps are cast,
Sweeten your vinegar, hold the tomatoes last
Betty Jean’s words softly guide,
Recipes preserved, our traditions abide.
Look around, too, you’ll find them near—
Those God given moments, sweet and clear;
The warmth of cooking, the heart’s deep call—
Life’s gentle joys embrace us all.
—Gilbert Lewis
Gilbert was inspired to write this wonderful poem after watching a video of me making Betty Jean’s cucumber relish and discussing the importance of noticing the small beautiful moments that are sprinkled throughout our days—things like a peach hand pie straight from the oven, the smell of fresh cut cucumbers, and the gift of a lovely poem from someone I’ve never met.
Matt’s Uncle Mike died on Sunday morning. There were many simliarties between Uncle Mike and my Uncle Henry who died on Friday.
Both were the youngest child in their family.
Both had a great love for music and made a lot of it.
Both served our country in Vietnam.
Both loved their families.
Losing our uncles within days of each other is a good reminder for us to enjoy every good thing that comes our way no matter how small it is and to hold those we love close at all times.
Please remember Mike and Henry’s families in your prayers.
You can see Mike’s obituary here.
Last night’s video: Blessed with 31 Years of Marriage in Appalachia.
Tipper
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That’s a mighty fine poem Gerald wrote and shared. He captured the moments so good.
Will continuing to pray for the families Mike and Henry left behind.
Betty Jean wrote a beautiful, heartwarming poem that holds truth.
Matt and Tipper, my deepest sympathy for the loss of both your uncles. Lifted up your families in prayer for comfort and peace that only God can give at times such as these.
This is a lovely poem and a lovely picture of Miss Betty Jean. I also send my condolences and prayers for you and Matt and your families. And Norman, I hope and pray your headaches and blood pressure problems are healed soon. God Bless you all.
What a beautiful poem for a special lady. Continued prayers for Matt and Tipper’s families. May God give them strength and peace during the coming days ahead.
Norman, continued prayers for you also.
thank you Gloria that was my mother’s name
I’m so sorry for your losses.
I have to wonder whether Betty Jean Hogan was an Alexander. She and my late mother could have been sisters if not twins.
Matt and Tipper, I am praying and thinking of you both and your families.
So sorry for your loss in both families. We will continue to lift their families in prayer…and all y’all. ‘My yoke is easy and My burden is light’. Jesus provides a way of hope and rest. May you feel His comforting arms around you!
Praying for Matt and your family as you deal with this loss. I pray you all feel God’s loving arms holding you through this difficult time. Thanks for the poem, it’s lovely. ❤️
I love the poem and enjoyed the video with Betty Jean Hogan.
Praying for the family!
A great tribute to Betty Jean and yourself and Appalachia ways, Tipper. Again, my thoughts are with you, Matt and the families at this time. We never know when we wake if we will see the end of each day, so best to live in the moment as it plays out – which can be easier said than done as distractions and routines are many!
Tipper I’m so sorry for your losses this past week. I read both obituaries and after reading Mikes I saw that Matt’s grandmother Lura Ammons Pressley is there any relation to your long time reader Ed Ammons? Prayers to granny and all requests
The best I can figure Lura Ethel Ammons Pressley was my 4th cousin 1x removed.
Enjoyed the poem by Mr Lewis. That was a lovely tribute to Matt’s uncle Mike. Continued prayers for the family.
Pretty poem for sure it’s a reminder to notice the small things God puts before us. I’m so sorry for you and Matt’s losses. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
good morning, I went to the hospital again last night, More head pain, and high blood pressure, after seeing my regular doctor yesterday and getting more blood pressure meds my blood pressure still went up, the doctor said, checking my blood pressure was causing me anxiety, he said the best thing I could do was stop checking it, he said short-term high blood pressure wouldn’t hurt you, but long-term will, about the head pain that I’m having he said I probably needed to go back to Emory University to the NeuroScience center to get that figured out, please continue to pray thank you and God bless you
Continued prayers on the way.
thank you again Carolyn, may the good Lord bless you and your family
sorry you are having these troubles. it’s a tough one. doctor told me migraines were from high blood pressure. gave me medicine that the emergency room said causes blood pressure to raise to close blood vessels causing headaches and that high blood pressure was from the high level of pain. back and forth. they couldn’t agree and kept throwing pills at me. took time, patience, prayer and a lot of self study to figure it out myself. I know it’s frustrating, expensive and the pain can be unbearable. I pray you find the answers you need. Try to enjoy something good today and God will bless you.
I’m praying for you, Mr. Norman.
thank you very much God bless you
Continuing to pray for you, Mr. Norman. May He lead the doctors in finding an answer. God bless!
thank you Debbie God bless you very much
Norman, a lot of times I don’t mention your name in my comments but I pray for you every day. I pray that the doctors can find the problem. I know from first hand experience, stress and anxiety can cause a lot of health problems
God bless you brother Randy, thank you for praying
Mr. Lewis melted my heart with his poem.
So sorry for your loss. God has a plan.