Earl Middleton Lived Thrifty

I recall the first time I met Earl Middleton he was sweeping the sidewalk outside of his office. I talked briefly and asked about painting his house. Of many buildings on Amelia Street, his one is unique. Its and old house I guess white exterior with blue shutters and trim. We parted as I was late for an appointment and he asked me to come back. Though the years of living in Orangeburg and even in South Carolina I have learned that when one says, "come again" is as truthful as Hollywood Movies; but with Earl Middleton, he lived by what he says.

I came back by a week later and I expected maybe talking to him for 5 minuets turned into a two hour chat. Every time I went to see Earl, it was a 2 - 3 hour chat. He was proud of his lineage Grand father was a Claflin Trustee. He was proud of His G-d and his church, Trinity (UMC) Methodist. Proud of Claflin University. He was a proud papa and mentioned about Kenny many times.

His hard-earned wealth did not put a barrier between those of us that are struggling financially as most black and white rich people in this town does. When you talked to Earl Middleton you would never knew of his wealth. His office was simple few pictures, all of importance on the walls, but not grandiose in style.

He crossed racial barriers with his words and life. Earl is different that most anyone in Orangeburg and beyond.. Most blacks, whites wear their skin color on their sleeve but Earl did not. When you talked to Earl, you were not talking to a black man named Earl Middleton, but rather you were talking to Earl.

When he said, he felt your struggles of lack of employment etc. he meant it unlike Hillary and Bill Clinton. He truly felt your struggle and would do what he could to help. You felt like he was in the ditch with you, contrary to how others treat the poor and homeless in Orangeburg, and beyond.

If Earl would of lived 500 more years then Orangeburg, South Carolina, the South, etc. may finally become the place, he envisioned for our community and world.

Therefore, Earl Mazal Tov, and my Prayers are with Kenny and the rest of the family, those of us who were your friends, community and beyond, may we live as you talked and live, today, tomorrow, and all the years to come till we too get to go Home.

Till Next Time, Mazal Tov,
Rabbi Dale
I hope you all a Thrifty life that Yeshua/Jesus promised in John 10:10 if you have any questions or comments you and email me at wmsblog”AT”yahoo.com

Check our other blogs housed at http://GoldenChinaOnline.com Remember Thrifty living is the only type of living I know™2007. Mazal Tov. Rabbi Dale
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