Debbie Lanier's Life And Times: Volume 16: The Love For Clover

Everyone has their own personal Heaven. I definitely believe in Heaven and Hell. I also believe that Heaven has all the things and people we enjoy and loved on Earth. 

I'm sure for Debbie Lanier that place has most of Clover circa 1968-1990. 

My mom loved Clover as much as a person can love a town. It is the town with "love" in the middle. She got her first adult job there and many other firsts like her first car, love, first child (yours truly) and so many great memories. I could see my mom's eyes lighting up even well into her 60s every time she entered Clover. 

This town has a lot of history and ties for us both as I have many family members on both sides from and still residing in Clover. She and her friends/cousins used to love hanging at my aunt Ellen Jean's house, walking in the nearby cemetery at night, and other activities. These included: the drive-in theater, Howard Johnsons (currently where El Mic is), Cagie's Bar and cruising up to Gastonia. My mom was the life of the party and the party often traveled with her. They all worked hard and partied harder.

I'm always thankful my mom got to have those times in the 70s and then returned in the 80s and thereafter for much calmer but just as fun times. I will always feel my mom's energy and spirit when I pass through here.