A Wellspring of Life

A Wellspring of LifeThe Legacy of Ester Jones

A wellspring is a source of continual supply.  We can think of it as the fountainhead, the origin, root, or source of supply.  My grandfather was a farmer, bus driver, businessman, an engineer, and for many, he was also a banker.  My cousin, Courtney, remembers how everyone at First Guaranty Bank knew our grandfather by name.   And, there were many times we had to go to him for a loan.  Of course, we would have to listen to him lecture us on saving and preparing for a rainy day.  My cousin Rodney shared one of his memories of our grandfather was when he came home from working on a new job.  Our grandfather was very nosey.  He wanted to know how much money you were making.  So, he would ask you if you got paid, and the next question was always, “How much are you saving?”  Rodney told him that he didn’t make enough to save.  Of course, our grandfather had something to say about that.  He said, “Water beating on a brick will always make an indention.”  And, one of his favorite scriptures was Haggai 1:6.
“Ye have sown much, and bring in little, ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe yourselves, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages, earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.” Haggai 1:6 
As a farmer, he would plant about 10-15 acres of strawberries, corn, and bell peppers.  I can remember a couple dozen cows and a few horses grazing on the farm.  One of the funniest memories we have growing up is when Harriet and Jermaine decided to tease one of the bulls.  He told us not to jump over the fence and go in the field with the bulls.  But, Harriet and Jermaine always wanted to test the limits.  You should have seen them running and screaming from an angry bull.  Of course, here comes Grandpa to save them from being thrown in the air. 
When I say we lived off the land, we lived off the land. From the water to the meat and vegetables we ate daily, it usually came from the farm.  One of my fondest memories of my grandfather was when he designed an irrigation system for watering his crop.  The property line of the 40-acre farm ran along the parish lines for Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes, and there is a creek that ran through the property.  I always say he was an engineer because I can remember him working long hours, digging and digging so that he could tap into the water source on the property.  He met with a group from LSU School of Agriculture on ways to irrigate a large area of crops, and they validated his irrigation plan and helped him with all of the details.  One of the benefits of the irrigation system he designed and built was a well that he placed right by a large oak tree near the house.  This well would provide the best tasting, crystal clear spring water I have ever tasted.  You would often find my grandfather sitting near the well, washing vegetables or just resting after a long day and taking a drink of refreshing water.  And as I think about this well, I think about how it symbolizes the wellspring of life that he was and has been for his children and grandchildren.  And on today, March 16th, my grandfather would be 100 years old.  I want to celebrate his birthday and celebrate his life.  
The reason I’m writing this tribute is to leave a record for my children and for my cousins’ children who will never meet him or know him the way that we do, who will never know about his wellspring of information and wisdom, love, laughter, jokes, and strength.  Today, I am still reaping the benefits from the hard work of my grandfather.  HE HAS BEEN A WELLSPRING IN OUR LIVES!  



Happy 100th Birthday Grandpa!