Elmer

                    

Elmer was a unique character I remember from my childhood. He lived down the street and drove an old pickup past our house every day as he went searching for junk to sell and barter with around town. He always wore overalls (just overalls) and a ball cap.

I remember him driving up to our house, getting out of his truck and digging around in the back. Finally, he would pull a watermelon out and lay it down in our front yard. Then he would pull out a small machete and cut off any bad places on the melon. Then he would proudly bring it up to our door and present his gift to us. Sometimes we'd get to eat it and sometimes my mom would throw it away after he left.

Elmer always had a smile on his face, though. He was one of those characters that knew everyone in town and had a story to share with each one. He would look at us kids and start talking about how the wheel of life just keeps turning and turning.

Elmer was truly a unique character. I just can't think of anyone around who lived that simple a life and enjoyed it so much.