Until We Meet Again
One of the things that we like about Kentucky is the authentic people that we meet. We’ve been extremely blessed by our neighbors Robert and Patty Duvall and their two granddaughters. They live humbly but would give the shirt off their own back to help someone in need. The entire Duvall clan is always ready to help no matter the task.
A Helping Hand
Robert has been mowing the property for years, keeping the cleared areas clean and the chiggers and ticks in check. The girls help fill our corn feeders, helping to keep the deer on the property. They also enjoy coon hunting with their grandpa, which is an appreciated task as well, keeping the varmints under control.
After an ice storm, Robert assisted us in cutting the trees that were obstructing the road, a task we completed in the dark. Robert could also always be called upon whenever we needed tractor assistance, be it in the garden, the driveway, or pulling the truck out of the mud.
The Duvalls allow us to drive through their property to access Kowalski Mountain. It’s taken Philip several years to get the driveway suitable to drive the truck down. Still, when it’s wet, it can be pretty precarious, and depending on what we might be hauling, this simple kindness has been a huge blessing. Robert always kept an eye on our place, dealing with any problems that arose, like pulling our tile, as they call a culvert, out that had washed down the creek and towed it home.
A Treasure
We try to always share a meal with the Duvall family whenever we can. Good neighbors are a treasure and we try to take time to get to know them and show our appreciation to them.
Robert was as Kentuckian as they get. At times I had difficulty understanding his accent and his colorful language. Not swear words, but language that is true to his Kentuckian heritage. He’d tell stories about the coons he hunt down in the holler and other tales.
Until We Meet Again, Dear Friend
Robert lost his battle with cancer on May 18,2020. We saw him shortly before on a quick trip to Kowalski Mountain, I cried as we drove off, as I knew I’d never see him again.
We were in Kentucky at the time of his funeral. He was laid to rest in a gorgeous Amish hand built casket. He was wearing his overalls and camouflage hat, just as we’d always seen him before.
As a tribute to Robert, we plan to plant a persimmon tree on the property in the spring. God speed Robert Duvall, until we meet again.
About the Author: Barbra-Sue Kowalski grew up on a small hobby farm. She was always drawn to farm life, however, she was stuck in an urban life far from her roots. Barbra-Sue was a single mom for 13 years, raising her 3 children on her own. She met Philip in 2018 and they married in 2021. Between the two of them, they have 5 grown children and 5 grandchildren. These empty nesters are following their dreams! As they both turn 50, they are building their off-grid homestead to live the life that they dream about. Learn more about Philip and Barbra-Sue here. Contact them here. To leave a comment on this post, please scroll down.
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