Unfortunately, I don't spend enough time with this book, mainly because I have to reserve an entire afternoon to do so. It belonged to my grandfather, Jack Burtnett (1916-1992). The crumbling pages are filled with sports statistics and articles, sporting event programs, school newspapers, and such. It's the kind of book that once opened, I become lost in the world of its contents. This man who I knew in his sixties and seventies was an intriguing younger man, one whose mementos I find fascinating. Having to close this book once I'm lost in it brings a strange feeling of sadness, like closing up an era.
My most treasured item in this scrap book is a letter from Peep Eye's uncle, Bernard McIlhany (1895-1959). The occasion was Jack's graduation from South Charleston (WV) High School in 1934. Uncle Bernard ("Burn'-urd") was pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Hartsville, SC at the time. He had grown up in Redford, Virginia, and later lived in Bluefield, West Virginia. He studied in Edinburgh, Scotland, and had married Mattielou Horne. He would go on to serve as national secretary for the Presbyterian Church's headquarters in Atlanta.
Bernard Ashby McIlhany was the fifth child of John Milton McIlhany and Elizabeth Deskins Wygal. He was the brother of my great-grandmother, Nellie Keith McIlhany Burtnett. Her first son was Jack Burtnett, my grandfather. My Dad, John Burtnett, says he recalls a visit from Uncle Bernard around 1958. He went to church with the family, and his sister, known to my Dad as "Mama Nell," wanted to burst with pride. Dad says, "There was a write-up in the paper for his visit, like they used to do in those days. Mama Nell loved to show Bernard off, she was so proud of him."
Without knowing someone personally or hearing stories from loved ones, it's hard to get to know the deceased for who they were as people. However, this letter gives me great insight into who Uncle Bernard McIlhany was, and why Mama Nell was so proud of him. I can discern that he loved his family and welcomed them openly. He had the gift of poetic language and seems to have loved words; he was an eloquent writer. He obviously loved the Lord, which shines through in his loving language. I picture him as someone who fully focused on each moment and on whoever or whatever God had placed in front of him.
Uncle Bernard McIlhany's words are too precious to keep hidden; may they charm you as much as they have charmed me:
It's obvious to me why Mama Nell was proud of her brother; I'm proud to call this man my relative, too. I wish I could've known him personally; I'd love to sit outside with him, sip coffee, and ask him theological as well as personal questions. I'd ask him what books I should read, and beg to see his sermon notes. This letter demonstrates the words of a man who was well-read and who trusted the Lord with his life, the kind of mentor we all should be blessed enough to have.
It has been my privilege to locate my cousins who are Uncle Bernard's descendants. They share his love of family, and have welcomed my contact with open arms. Bernard had children later in life, so although he was my great-grandmother's brother, his grandchildren are closer to my age than to my Dad's. They are my Dad's second cousins, mine once-removed. It is my joy to share their grandfather's letter with them; may they delight in the remarkable man that he was, and may his legacy live on through us all!
