There is a special region in America called Appalachia, an area as rich culturally as it is poor economically. I am privileged to have come from strong Appalachian stock of family, faith, and folklore. These are my stories of family and the amazing and eclectic people who make up this beautiful area.In the 1950's there were decisions made to create interstate highways that would cris-cross America. As these highways were built, there were special places left behind as traffic moved from state roads that went through small towns, leaving their economies and cultures behind. Appalachia is one of those special areas. The communities of coal miners and tobacco farmers were left to subsist or exist. My family and the amazing communities of Eastern Kentucky chose to exist. These are my stories of love, hope, joy and laughter through life experiences with the amazing and resilient people who make up Appalachia.