Normally, obituaries aren’t something that draw my attention.
However, the obituary for Xrepha W. Flavin-Martin, age 85 of Newton, who died on Feb. 21, caught my eye.
For several years she lived a few houses down the street from me in Esbon. I instantly took a liking to Xrepha because she spent her early years in Butler County, as did I.
My mom and I sold our Butler County home in 2002 and made our second house in Esbon our primary residence.
I grew a garden and gave some of my tomatoes and peppers to a nice lady (Xrepha) who happened to walk by and compliment me on my efforts.
In 2003, I broke my leg and, after I was discharged from the hospital, I essentially was an invalid inside my own home — alone — for a few months.
Being unable to drive my car and hobbling with a walker, rural life got even more difficult for me.
One day, Xrepha happened to walk down the sidewalk as she normally did. But, since I had the door open of my house without my actual presence being readily seen, she hollered and asked if I needed any help.
Normally I don’t like imposing on people— but I needed something then.
I gave her some money and asked if she would buy my groceries. She did.
For her kindness, I am still extremely grateful.
Fitting in in rural towns can be exceeding difficult for urban dwellers like I was.
The cliquish ways of locals are often hard to adapt to.
I will miss Xrepha because she demonstrated a friendship that was marked by genuine good will and good deeds.
— Sincerely,
James A. Marples,
Esbon
