My Old Kentucky Haunt

By Lynda Rees

When I was living, I was a Kentucky girl all the way. I still am. I loved everything about this state.

Memories of running free through the enormous mountains around my hometown of Bonnyman, a small coalmining village outside of Hazard, Kentucky, filled me with joy. After all, what is life about if not making memories? Those pine-covered, steep mounts with their cliffs and caves were my playground—still are, even in the afterlife.

As an adult in my corporate career, I traveled the world and saw many exotic and wonderous places in Asia, South and Central Americas, Canada and the Caribbean. Being somewhere new was thrilling. Learning about other cultures was a bonus. Befriending people from other worlds was the greatest gift. I loved every minute of it. I must admit, I had more fun times and made more lasting memories in Kentucky than anywhere I journeyed.

I raised a family in Kentucky. Though my children enjoyed traveling, and I suspected my youngest would eventually settle in the western United States, they decided to remain Kentuckians. Apparently, my love for the state was contagious—or hereditary. Whatever! Fortunately for me, I was able to spend lots of time with my children and grandchildren. I was lucky to be a part of their lives. Now, I keep a close watch over them from heaven.

Kentucky’s courageous, broadminded, hard-working people have created many things this country is famous for. These are but a few.

First and foremost, Kentucky thoroughbreds and horseracing capture the hearts of people worldwide. Kentucky’s breeding has produced some of the finest horseflesh ever to set foot on a racetrack. The world’s most famous horse race, watched by millions every first Saturday in May, happens in Louisville, Kentucky. Each year those incredible equestrian athletes engage in the famous battle, the first, most coveted of an illustrious trio of races in the United States. These three competitions combined allow a contender the chance to win a triple crown and inspire horse racing fans around the globe. Now I’m gone, I haunt the stands and continue to root the underdog on. It’s hard to determine who that might be, because they are the best of the best, or they wouldn’t be in the running.

Fried chicken became famous when a small town restauranter got his start in the tiny Kentucky town of Corbin. The infamous Louisville Slugger baseball bat was designed and to this day is manufactured in Kentucky. The Corvette sports car was designed and built here. A museum is dedicated to its history in Bowling Green.

Don’t forget the enormous selection of Kentucky bourbon. No matter your price range, you can find a delightful drink you will enjoy. Too bad ghosts can’t imbibe. I must be content to follow visitors as they tour the many distilleries and enjoy tastings. I’m so jealous. A tickle here. A tickle there. A cold breath in the ear. They think they’ve had a shot to many. Or, they could be delighted, if they happen to be in one of the many historic buildings and hotels purported to be haunted.

This incredible state has generated daring, adventurous folks like Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis. The famous explorer Daniel Boone settled the area long before these two came to be. Muhammed Ali and country music singers, The Judds came from this great state. The twanging sound of Bluegrass Music originated in Kentucky when folk singer Bill Monroe and The Bluegrass Boys gave Kentucky its claim as the Bluegrass State.

Kentucky has a significant history. From its early settlement, its support of both the north and south during the Civil War, to its sinister mobster history. Yes—I said mob history. Newport, Kentucky was the Las Vegas decades before Vegas was conceived. Newport was where the rich and famous came to entertain or be entertained, known for strip joints, all-night bars, illegal gambling and drink, and elaborate dinner and night clubs.

There are countless large lakes in the state. Enjoy water sports at Lake Cumberland, Kentucky Lake, Barkley Lake or one of many others. My family, friends and I made many fond memories cruising these waterways, swimming, cliff diving, scuba diving, or just floating with a cold brew in calming waters. Even in the afterlife, there is something special about being around water. No wonder it’s costly to have riverfront or lakefront property.

Mammoth Cave is the largest cave system in the world. I haunt its hallowed tunnels and crevices, as do many who came before me—American Indians, soldiers, industrialists, and those seeking cures the caverns had to offer. The cave has a notorious history of its own that you might want to check out.

Kentuckians enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. One can hike the Appalachian Trail and enjoy vast wilderness as I did as a child. Now I can only roam among them unseen and unheard.

What was that? Hey, even a ghost needs a little fun.

As a child, my family moved from my beloved mountains to the city so my father could find work—work that wasn’t as dangerous as being in a dark coal mine all day or all night. Not only is there a danger of injury. Coal dust coats the inside of the lungs and causes a cancerous condition called Black Lung. I watched my grandfather die of that horrific disease.

I was overwhelmed at leaving my grandparents behind. I spent most of my time with them as a youngster. We left everything I held dear, except for Mother, Father and my baby brother. It was devastating and exciting at the same time.

I was oblivious to the outside world, living the mountain life. Suddenly, I was thrown into a town with streets and sidewalks. Houses with postage-sized yards butted up to ours. It was shocking at first but didn’t hinder my growth emotionally or physically. The change gave my family and I many great opportunities. Not only did I meet people not like me; I learned to thrive in a new atmosphere and become a part of it. The experience helped me be independent and strong. As much as I missed my grandparents, I began to feel at home in my new environment.

People made fun of the new girl with the funny accent. I discovered bullies look for and prey on weakness. My response was to turn the table and laugh. Make my weakness a strength. Surprisingly, everyone around laughed with me. I was unexpectedly one of them.

When I was a mother, my husband and I decided we wanted farm life. We abandoned the city and never looked back. Pendleton County was the perfect location. It’s far enough south that we bought the perfect farm, a place for my children to run, hike, swim, wade the creek to catch crawdads, and ride horses. Our equestrian days taught them values, teamwork, responsibility, safety, to think ahead, and that your steed needs nourishment before you get any.

I wanted my kids to grow up in the country; to have a bit of the freedom I had enjoyed as a mountain child. Despite the fact the world they grew up in was drastically different from mine, I sought to give them an appreciation for wildlife, nature, for growing things, nurturing animals. and to be nourished by hard work and fresh air.

When I was an author, it’s no wonder I chose to set my contemporary mysteries in rural horse ranch areas of this remarkable state. There is so much history and beauty to draw from. I wrote about strong, independent women who discover depths of their courage when put to the test. I hope my books keep my legacy alive, as will my children and grandchildren.

I also hope this story in some way inspires you to enjoy life to its fullest. As one of my favorite country singers once sang, “Dance.” If you don’t, I may haunt you. Boo!