NOTE: Ben Herman is a patient on the Hospice Floor at the Alvin C. York Veterans Hospital in Murfreesboro. He is a local legend when it comes to storytelling, shooting the breeze and making music. Jim, a speech therapist at the Medical Center provides Ben with a typewriter to capture his stories on paper. Ralph’s job is to pass them on to the Smithville Review.

The project is intended to be a "win/win"…good therapy for Ben and worthy of a chuckle or two for the readers. Remember, Ben is the "star of the show". Jim and Ralph are the supporting cast.

This story may have some measure of truth to it, but I am not going to promise. Decide for yourself.

There was a family living in the most-remote spot in Possum Hollow. There were days when the sunshine could not produce light there. Somehow the family was able to eke out a living from the land to survive. And, their only mode of travel was by foot.

A city cousin came to see them one winter near Christmas time and wanted to take them to the big city of Nashville to see the sights and hear all the sounds of life beyond the hollow.

Reluctantly, they finally agreed and were off to the big city out west. Well, west of DeKalb County.

The destination was a large mall. There were Christmas decorations everywhere, even Santa was there talking to children. It truly was a sight to behold.

A little timid, the family (John, the father, Edna, the mother and two children; a boy and a girl…Sue and Toby) stood speechless with disbelief. Why do people choose to live like this?

The city cousin persuaded Edna and Sue to walk with her to a popular department store where she would purchase them some Christmas gifts. Henry and Toby would sit and wait for their return.

Henry’s eyes were drawn to a strange looking room. He had no idea what it was; just appeared to be a small room. He watched as people walked in. Then a little later people would walk out. Henry scratched his head and wondered. People go in looking one way and come out of the room looking totally different.

Then an older lady with a walker went into the room. After a minute or two, a young, pretty blond walked out. Henry could hardly believe his eyes.

Again it happened. Two older women went into the room. A few minutes later, two pretty, young women came out.

Not knowing that it was actually an elevator, Henry told Toby to run quickly and get his mother and sister. I’m going to run them through that little room.