By Ralphine Major
A mere mention of the place can bring to mind childhood memories and special times, though there was a time when its popularity seemed to fade. The architecture of ranch-style homes and others nearly eliminated the front porch as many of us remember it. Today, the front porch seems to be making a come back.
The front porch. It is a place where we can sit and enjoy a beautiful sunset, hear the neighborhood children playing, or wave to passers-by. It is a place where we can sit in the porch swing or rocking chairs and think about what is important to us, count our blessings, and enjoy nature. It is a place where we can discuss the day’s events; make plans for the future; and talk about current issues, such as athletes kneeling for the national anthem or the scandal involving college basketball recruiting. It is a place where we can take rest after a day of work and enjoy a cold glass of lemonade. It is a place where we can sit and break a bushel of beans, where grandparents can bond with grandchildren, and where we welcome visitors and say our goodbyes when friends leave. A few years ago, milk deliveries could be seen sitting on the front porches of many homes. Recently, the Maddox and Crabtree families gathered on the front porch for a family photo before going to cheer on the Tennessee VOLS.
On the front porch, we can watch the world from a distance while sitting in the comfort of home. It is a special place—the front porch—for creating memories and cherishing those made years ago.