CNJ+ June 2026

I Remember Dad: THE PRECIOUS WISDOM OF FAMILY ELDERS By Richard Mabey Jr.

In May of 1960, I was completing Mrs. Kiick’s First Grade Class at Chapel Hill School. My sister, Patricia, was a year old. My great grandmother, Dora Mabey had passed away, a year ago. Great Grandma Mabey was our link to the past, to an other time, another era. She was born on the fourteenth of October in 1873, less than 10 years after General Lee met Gen eral Grant at Appomattox Court House. Great Grandma Mabey went Home to be with the Lord in May of 1959, at the age of 85. In November of 1959, Mom and Dad, and my sister Patti and I moved into the old Mabey Homestead. My father was very close to his grandmother. I was only five years old at the time, but we would often visit Great Grandma Mabey at the old Mabey Homestead. We lived in Clif ton at the time. My great grandmother would be sitting in her rocking chair. She would tell my father, with great convic

tion, that Dad was destined to guide boys become strong and moral men. This was only a few months before Great Grandma Mabey passed away. Fast forward to September of 1964. I first joined Boy Scout Troop 170, of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Lincoln Park, a few days after turning 11. By Oc tober of 1964, Dad signed up to become the newest Committeeman of the troop. Then, in September of 1966, Dad was chosen unanimously by the Troop Com mittee, to become the new Scoutmaster of Troop 170. Thus, fulfilling Great Grand ma Mabey’s prophecy of early 1959. I often wondered how it was that Great Grandma Mabey knew that Dad was go ing to unselfishly serve as a leader, who would help shape the hearts and minds of hundreds upon hundreds of boys to become strong and moral men. For Dad served as Scoutmaster for 28 years! It was only a few months before her passing that my great grandmother shared her prophecy with my father. At 69, soon to turn 70, I know one thing for sure. God cannot be limit ed. The Holy Spirit cannot be limited. I was only five years old, at the time, but I remember it like it was yester day, the profound conviction that Great Grandma Mabey spoke when she told my father he was blessed and destined to be a most positive guid ing force, for many, many boys. Please do keep in close touch with the elders of your family. God grants them a wisdom, a prophecy, that reaches beyond human understand ing. Love knows no boundaries. It cannot be limited. Please do hold precious, the wisdom of family el ders. Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He hosts a YouTube Chan nel titled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard most recently published a book of poetry and short stories. He can be reached at richardmabeyjr@ hotmail.com.

Mom, Dad, my sister Patricia, in May of 1960 at the old Mabey Homestead.

From late 1928, Great Grandma Mabey holding Dad in her rocking chair, at the old Mabey Homestead.

Great Grandma Mabey, Dora Mabey, in the backyard of the old Mabey Homestead.

5

GUNTHERPUBLICATIONS.COM